Therapists for college students near UCLA

Great to meet you! As a board-certified licensed therapist, I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults with a variety of backgrounds. My primary goal is to create an authentic connection with each of my clients to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable. I believe that our past influences our present, especially when faced with challenging life experiences. Together, within our built safe space, we will explore how your past experiences influence your current thoughts and behaviors - to improve your awareness and identify areas for positive change. I believe in balancing validation and empathy with a directive, solution-focused approach that offers specific strategies to enact change. I treat anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, self-harm/suicidal ideation, substance use, anger management, grief, low self-esteem, relationship and family issues, identity development, and life transitions. I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches because it is important to me to adapt my style to honor the current needs of each of my clients. I always begin our work together with an introductory session, when you’ll have the opportunity to share your story and what you hope to achieve through therapy. We’ll work together, collaborate on your goals and create a plan that feels most comfortable to you. Building trust is important to our therapeutic relationship, and will take our time easing into processing your thoughts and experiences. I will remain committed to supporting and guiding as we work together to make your goals a reality.

Feeling stuck and empty? Worrying about relationships and feeling lonely? Anxiety and sadness? Overeating, using drugs or alcohol to cope? You are not alone and we can help. Individuals, couples, families. Ages 16 to adult.

I am a passionate and caring therapist who uses a lens of self-compassion to help you address and resolve issues or challenges that are negatively impacting quality of life. By changing the negative inner voice to a kinder, more compassionate voice we'll work together toward a greater sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in life.

As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist specializing in trauma, adoption, and challenging life experiences, my approach is relational and integrative. I work exclusively online with teens and adults in California who have had significant adverse childhood experiences or recent stressful or traumatic events. Life transitions can trigger old emotional wounds, contributing to anxiety or depression in adulthood. One of the most effective ways to free yourself from symptoms of past trauma is EMDR therapy. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can provide lasting relief from disturbing memories, reactivity, anxiety, excessive worries, and other emotional distress stemming from adverse experiences in the past. This evidence-based integrative brief psychotherapy approach has been extensively researched and proven effective. Both the World Health Organization and the American Psychiatric Association recommend EMDR as an effective trauma treatment; the Department of Veterans Affairs/Department of  Defense placed EMDR therapy in the "A" category as "strongly recommended" for trauma.

We have many therapists who specialize in working with young adults and teens with depression and anxiety. We have years of experience working with young people and are passionate about the unique challenges presented at this age.

James is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (#71085) based in Oakland, California who has a background as a music educator and was trained across broad multi-cultural social service experiences. His work spans the spectrum of disenfranchised communities and corporate settings. James specializes in individual and family work with older teens and adults who want to address social and emotional imbalances. He has guided hundreds of personal transformations for people of color who have struggled with the day to day, and worked collaboratively to explore unique ways to thrive. The mental wellness journey he offers includes a compassionate process of acknowledging what’s already working to your benefit and taking meaningful steps toward more sustainable self-care.

I believe in the power of genuine connection and shared humor in therapy. My goal is to collaborate with you to create a path toward not only a better understanding of yourself but also greater self-compassion. I approach therapy through a relational psychodynamic lens, meaning I view well-being as deeply connected to our relationships, past experiences and cultural identities. I also believe that everything you have done that has led you to this moment has been an attempt to take care of yourself, whether or not it has yielded the results you hoped for. I enjoy supporting clients as they explore, gain insights, and create a more authentic sense of self. My clinical focus includes anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and the complexities of identity and multiculturalism. If you seek a collaborative partner to understand how your past shapes your present and how to intentionally write your future, I invite you to connect with me.

Thanks for your interest. If you're feeling stuck, stressed out, not feeling or being your usual self, you've made the right step in reaching out. It takes courage to reach out since the thought of needing help can feel anxiety producing but that usually goes away and you'll be glad you did. Learning how to cope with stress, stressful people and situations is what I do best. Whether it's collaborating to find a solution, facing your fears, or a finding a way to reduce the symptoms that your sources of stress are causing, we can make a difference. Thanks for letting me help you make the difference you need.

Are you feeling unhappy, isolated, stressed, stuck, or like nothing ever goes right? Do you want to improve your relationships with friends, family, or partners? I strongly believe everyone can benefit from a safe space to process their emotions and struggles weekly with someone outside your immediate support system. It’s daunting to find a therapist who is right for you. I will meet you where you’re at - whether that’s helping you find the words to express yourself or finding the right goals and motivations to move yourself to the next phase of life. I provide psychotherapy services to teens, young adults, and adults of all ages, but I especially enjoy working with college students. I approach therapy from a person-centered and strengths-based perspective. That means I believe you are the expert on yourself; and that with support and guidance, you have the ability to make the changes you want. I believe I can help you to improve your self-awareness, understand and accept patterns from your past, and learn new skills and healthier ways of engaging in the world. Prioritizing healing, growth, and change are lifelong practices that often need a tune-up. I believe transformation requires time, space, patience, and self-compassion. In therapy, I offer a safe and caring relationship that supports you in doing this life-changing work. If you are experiencing depression, feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, perfectionism, people pleasing, grief and loss, life changes, trauma, low self-worth, self-criticism, communication, identifying needs, and boundary issues, please reach out today! ​Registered Associate MFT #118406 ​Registered Associate PCC #7659 Supervised by Dr. Joy L. Johnson, Psy.D. (PSY28452)

Clarity California provides psychological and neuropsychological testing to children and adults for diagnostic clarification. We assess for diagnoses such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar, OCD, PTSD, personality disorders, and more. Our practice sees patients ages 6+. We also provide telehealth therapy for ages 12+.

Dr. Francesca Balada has successfully assisted many individuals lead happier and more productive lives. As an independently practicing psychologist, Dr. Balada has been providing psychology services to individuals for over 15 years. She has been a licensed clinical psychologist since 2005. Dr. Balada specializes in providing Consultation, Clinical Supervision, Testing and Neuropsychological Assessments. A neuropsychologist provides specialized services from multiple perspectives: medical, emotional, behavioral, cognitive, educational, and rehabilitative. Evaluations incorporate extensive details about an individual’s medical history, developmental history, cognitive ability, academic history, and daily functioning. Dr. Balada evaluates individuals with: memory impairment, concussion, head injury, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, Alzheimer’s Dementia, Frontal Temporal Dementia, Parkinson’s disease and stroke. Dr. Balada has dedicated her life to helping others reach their full potential and often lectures on the subject of neuropsychological assessment and intervention. Regarded as an expert in assessment and diagnosis, Dr. Balada has acted as a consultant for many academic institutions and hospitals, in addition to acting as a consultant and teaching expert. DR. BALADA IS CURRENTLY SERVING ANY INDIVIDUAL LIVING IN NEW YORK AND CALIFORNIA VIA TELEHEALTH

I’m a therapist who values honesty, reflection, and meaningful change. I go beyond surface-level work, helping you understand the patterns, beliefs, and experiences that shape how you show up in your life. My approach is supportive yet direct. I’ll help you identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck—like perfectionism, people-pleasing, or self-criticism—while creating a space where you feel respected and not judged.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hello and welcome! My name is Arielle and I am a trauma-sensitive somatic psychotherapist and psychedelic consultant. I offer a warm, sincere, and supportive space for you to intentionally explore the roots of painful memories, emotions, sensations, and thoughts that you are ready to process and move beyond. I specialize in working with people seeking healing from complex trauma, childhood abuse and neglect, sexual and domestic violence, parental loss, and complex grief. I also support people who are intentionally preparing to sit with plant medicine for healing purposes or who have journeyed recently and are looking to integrate their experiences further. If you feel like your needs align with the spaces I hold, I invite you to reach out to me.

I believe that we have within us, the power to create the life we desire. We possess inner strengths and skills that can help us overcome challenges and live a fulfilled life. However, accessing this power can be an overwhelming task that may require support. Allow me to be an unbiased, compassionate and caring partner in your journey. I help individuals and couples explore their thoughts and emotions, reframe distorted beliefs, replace unhealthy patterns and unblock past traumas. I use elements of CBT, Motivational Interviewing, DBT, Parts Work, Brainspotting, Prepare/Enrich and other modalities to help you achieve your goals. I have over 10 years of experience working with various populations, in various settings, like working with college students at CAPS, working with young professionals, current/former foster youth, formerly incarcerated individuals, couples and other adults. I help clients unlock their true potential and work through issues of low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, trauma, difficult life transitions, relationship issues and more. Ready? Let the healing begin! In addition to my private practice, I work with Octave Behavioral Health. At Octave, I am in-network with Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, and Health Net / MHN commercial insurance plans. If you have coverage under one of these plans, please visit findoctave.com to schedule an appointment.

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.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

mindfulSF supports students, teens, young adults, couples, and professionals in building resilience, navigating life transitions, and strengthening their mental well-being so they can thrive academically, professionally, and personally. We offer individual therapy and couples counseling both in person and online throughout California. Our clinicians use evidence-based treatment approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, and Self-Compassion practices. Our areas of focus include OCD, ADHD, autism, generalized and social anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, body-focused repetitive behaviors, depression, trauma, life and work stress, and parenting and postpartum concerns. We are a queer woman–owned practice committed to providing culturally responsive, inclusive care, with a special dedication to serving BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals. We embrace and celebrate multicultural diversity and intersectional identities, and strive to create a space where clients feel respected, affirmed, and understood. mindfulSF is a private pay practice with session fees beginning at $200, varying by clinician. If mindfulSF sounds like it may be a good fit, we invite you to visit our website to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with our intake coordinator to learn more about our services. You can also learn more about our therapists at mindfulSF.com.

I am a board-certified, Cornell and Mount Sinai-trained adult and child psychiatrist in New York and California. My approach to treatment is holistic and firmly rooted in the science of the brain, combining psychotherapy (for individuals, families, and couples) with nutrition, lifestyle modification, as well as state-of-the-art medication treatment, when helpful. I view each person as a complex individual with a unique story to tell, so I take time getting to know my clients and work collaboratively to develop a targeted plan to achieve their treatment goals. I have expertise in treating depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, tic, ADHD, ODD, personality disorders, and eating disorders in children, teens, adults, and in pregnant and breastfeeding women. I also work with adults transitioning into parenthood, and with infants and toddlers. I am available for consultations and second opinions. I do not accept insurance (payment is out of pocket), but I do provide invoices for out-of-network claims. I do not take medicaid or medicare at this time.

Life can feel like it’s constantly throwing curveballs, and sometimes it can be hard to deal with all that’s going on. If you're feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed by school, friendships, or just life in general, you're not alone. Together, we'll talk through what's been bothering you and get to the root of it. I teach you tools to help you reframe negative thoughts, manage stress, and cope with emotions in a healthy way, while also feeling validated in your emotions. It's about finding strategies that actually work for YOU so you can start feeling better, more in control, and ready to take on life with confidence. I’m passionate about working with college students to give them a positive therapy experience and equip them with coping tools for life. With experience in education and the community, my goal is to help clients learn skills that’ll support them now and in the future, so they’re ready for life’s challenges and know when to ask for help. I know life can feel overwhelming, and it's tough to handle everything on your own. You don’t have to do it alone. I’m here to provide a safe space where you can be heard, understood, and supported. Together, we’ll work through the stress and build the confidence you need. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation. Let’s take that first step together.