Therapists for college students near UCLA

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 16 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges with a collaborative and compassionate approach. I work with clients facing anxiety, sadness, relationship struggles, or major life transitions, supporting them in reconnecting with their strengths, values, and goals. In therapy, I create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can be heard and understood. I draw from cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused techniques, and family systems theory, tailoring each session to your unique needs. My goal is to help you increase self-awareness, build self-compassion, and develop practical strategies for overcoming challenges and creating a more fulfilling life. I know that opening up to someone new can feel vulnerable, and I strive to make the process approachable and collaborative from the first session. Life’s difficulties don’t need to define you – you have the ability to shape how you think, feel, and act. I would be honored to support you on your journey of growth and self-discovery.

Many students have mental health concerns from time to time. We feel stuck or face certain challenges. Sometimes we know what’s wrong and other times, we have the nagging sensation that something feels “off.” It can be stress, anxiety, depression, or academic pressures. When we understand the causes of your troubles, we can alleviate your symptoms. And, when we do, you’ll feel renewed and be a better student, friend, romantic partner, son or daughter. When your desire for your own welfare overrules your limiting beliefs and negative self-talk, what you aspire to starts flowing into your lives—be it a relationship, academic success. Your manifestations become effortless, without internal strife and resistance.

I aim to create an environment that is respectful, supportive, and collaborative. My approach to therapy is primarily based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). A core idea in ACT is that trying too hard to get rid of or control our emotions tends to backfire. Thus, instead of trying to get rid of unwanted thoughts, feelings, or emotions, I will help you learn to react differently to them so that you can keep your focus on living a meaningful and fulfilling life based on what’s important to you. This type of approach places your values at the center of therapy. Using your values and existing strengths as a foundation, we will work together to set meaningful goals to address your concerns –whether they relate to life transitions, depression, anxiety, body image, grief/loss, job or academic stress, or gender and sexuality. I have extensive training in working with transgender and gender diverse adults, youth, and families. Transgender clients seeking assessment or counseling services can expect a safe space, and respectful, non-pathologizing, collaborative care. If you are looking for someone to work with regarding gender identity and exploration, I can provide education, support, preparation, and, if indicated, reports/letters for surgery.

Feeling weighed down by anxiety and often second-guessing yourself? Do you find yourself overthinking everything that could go wrong, procrastinating, or struggling to make decisions? Maybe anxiety leaves you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, making it hard to get through the day or enjoy the friendships, opportunities, and experiences you really want. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Therapy can help. Taking the step to reach out for support can feel intimidating, but it’s also one of the bravest choices you can make. I’m glad you’re here. Together, we can work on tools to quiet the constant overthinking, build confidence, and help you create the life and relationships you want most. In sessions, I offer you evidenced based tools, teach you new skill development and strategies so that you can get relief, gain confidence and manage anxiety more effectively. We'll create a plan that feels practical, empowering and personalized. My treatment approach utilizes Cognitive-Behavioral therapy and Compassion Mindfulness-based therapy. Cognitive Behavioral therapy is considered one of the most effective, and evidenced based treatments for anxiety. Reach out today for a 15-minute free consultation. I look forward to connecting with you and being a partner on your therapy journey.

Are you a high achiever who feels disconnected from who you truly are? Do you find yourself struggling with anxiety, depression, or a deep sense of overwhelm, despite your outward success? Perhaps you’ve been shaped by high expectations, either from your family, culture, or society, and now feel torn between the person you’re supposed to be and the person you really are. I specialize in working with clients like you—ambitious, driven individuals, often children of immigrants, who are navigating the pressure to succeed while grappling with the internal conflict of identity. You may be feeling stuck between honoring your heritage and culture, and carving out a path that feels authentic to you. This can be an exhausting, confusing, and painful process—but it doesn’t have to be done alone. In our work together, I aim to create a warm, compassionate space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, without judgment or pressure. Together, we can begin to untangle the stories that have shaped you, heal from trauma, and work toward developing a more integrated sense of self—one that aligns with your true values and desires, rather than others' expectations.

I'm here as you navigate a challenge that has arisen for you. Perhaps, there is a specific situation you want to sort through, or maybe it feels more nebulous. You may be coping in ways that aren't wholesome or sustainable. There is hope! Together, we will figure out how to find more balance, more authenticity and more joy in your life again.

I help people to resolve anxiety and trauma using a combination of talk therapy and somatic practices. Changing your mind isn’t enough, you have to change the way that you feel in your body. Simple practices like EMDR, Brainspotting and EFT can help you to make lasting changes in your life.

You want to be a better person than what you grew up with. You want to provide the love and support that always felt conditional to you. Growing up, you learned to believe the other shoe would drop at any moment and you had to be ready. It was only a matter of time. Instead of being made to feel like you were the problem, you wish you could have grown up to trust in yourself, to feel all of the feelings without shame or judgment, to have healthy relationships. You want this, but just because you know in your head that there is a better way doesn't mean you know how to recognize it, trust in it, or believe in your heart that you deserve it. I enjoy providing a compassionate, non-judgmental space for you to come and just be. We'll work together to identify the unhelpful patterns you've learned, to build a sense of safety, and your ability to trust in yourself. We'll build up the compassionate self you wished you got when you were young, and build in skills and supports to lean on along the way. I help adults who feel like they are always on edge, ready for someone to make you the problem and say it's your fault. Here's the truth: You are allowed to be different, to take up space, to feel all the feelings, that doesn't make you 'the problem.' We'll work together to help your brain believe it and keep you safe. Hi, I'm Allyson! I'm a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT #136508) and Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC #12918) under the supervision of Elizabeth McGinnis, LPCC 8285. I received my Master’s from California Baptist University in Counseling Psychology and my Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology from Biola University. In my career as a therapist, I’ve worked with children and adults of all ages. From preschool through adulthood, I’ve worked alongside my clients to process through their challenges and create patterns of relating that are most true and helpful for them. To find out more about me, check out https://empsychotherapy.net/therapists/allyson/

I support students who put a lot of pressure on themselves to succeed—whether that’s in school, relationships, or planning for the future. Many of my clients appear to “have it all together," but inside they feel anxious, burned out, or unsure of how to manage the stress. My clients come to me because they’re struggling to balance everything on their plate or want support navigating big changes like moving away from home, figuring out their identity, or making decisions about what’s next. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or like you’re carrying the weight of expectations (your own or others’), you’re not alone. In our work together, you’ll have a space to slow down, feel understood, and learn practical tools to feel more grounded and confident in your everyday life.

Nobody teaches you how to fight fair, ask for what you need, or love someone without losing yourself. Estes Therapy does. Founded by licensed marriage and family therapist Jennine Estes Powell, our practice helps young adults build healthier patterns before the hard stuff becomes the default. Whether you are navigating your first serious relationship, processing attachment wounds from home, or just trying to understand why you keep ending up in the same situations, we have therapists who get it and know how to help.

Between the 2:00 AM study sessions, the constant pressure to have your life figured out, and the exhaustion of keeping up a 'perfect' digital presence, it’s a lot. If you’re feeling like you’re just vibrating with anxiety or running on manual mode, I see you. I’m Dr. Tinai James, and I help students navigate the messy, non-linear transition of college. My office (and my screen) is a zero-judgment zone where we ditch the clinical "therapist-speak." Whether you're dealing with burnout, relationship drama, or just trying to figure out who you actually are outside of your GPA, let's figure it out together. No couch required—just real talk and actual tools.

Blue Humming Therapy provides comprehensive counseling services to individuals, couples, and families to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. The counselors at BHT provide respectful support as you explore options for positive changes in your life.

We are a non-profit organization geared towards serving the community. HOH offers a variety of services from individual, couples, to group therapy. In addition, we are a training site for graduate level students offering supervision and clinical skills training.

Hi, I’m Jessica Nava Orellana. I am a talk style therapist and I’m so glad you’re here… I am a California-based Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist offering individual and couples therapy/Relationship Therapy. I also support individuals who are exploring relationships, grief and loss, work-life/ School balance, job loss and other life transitions. My approach is client-centered, collaborative, and grounded in compassion. I strive to provide a safe, supportive space where you can process whatever comes up in therapy, whether this is your first experience with therapy or you’re continuing your journey with a new therapist. We will work together to explore and tailor your goals at a pace that feels right for you. Therapy doesn’t always have to look a certain way. Sometimes it’s about checking in on the highs and lows of the week; other times it’s about deeper reflection and growth. Together, we’ll create space for your inner strengths to emerge naturally. You don’t have to do this alone.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, and Supervisor of the Counselor in Training program here at Community Counseling Center of Elk Grove. Mike earned a Master’s degree in counseling from CSU Sacramento in 1980 and another master’s degree in psychology: Marriage and Family from Chapman University in 1999. Mike has been providing counseling services here since 1996. He has also served as a high school counselor and career/college counselor in the Elk Grove School District for many years, and has taught “College Success” and “Career Development” at Cosumnes River College for several years. He is certified by the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) in Divorce Recovery, Remarriage and Blended Families issues. and by the Center for Applications of Psychological Type (CAPT) as an administrator and interpreter of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. He is also certified in the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory for substance abuse issues and the Prepare/Enrich premarital and marital enrichment assessment.

"Create Wellbeing Therapy Collective provides integrative mental healthcare to students using a compassionate and supportive approach. We will meet you non-judgmentally where you are at and help you with the skills to make changes. Our innovative wellbeing model addresses the needs of the whole person. We will help you to CALM the distress, ENGAGE your whole self, and INTEGRATE healing into your life. We provide expert care to complex situations including: pregnancy, parenting, marriage/divorce, eating struggles, trauma, grief, life stage and older adult care.

I wanted to pursue a career as a therapist because I had a desire to help people create lasting and fulfilling relationships, which would help to contribute towards a healthier quality of life. I wanted to be able to make a difference in people’s lives by helping them cope in healthier ways with their mental health issues or with life’s challenges. It is so rewarding to have the opportunity to support my clients with achieving their goals in therapy. It is very important to me that I provide each of my clients with a personalized experience where they feel safe and comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Throughout the therapeutic process I make it my goal that my clients feel valued and understood by using active listening skills, validation, and reflective listening techniques. The client-therapist relationship is very unique and I feel honored and grateful that my clients allow me to come along with them on their journey toward improving their mental and emotional well being. The quality of the client-therapist relationship in therapy is essential for a positive outcome. It is always my number one priority to build a strong foundation with my clients through building trust and creating a therapeutic alliance with them. By establishing rapport, being authentic, and being able to genuinely understand and share in my clients’ experiences and feelings are crucial for creating a safe place for my clients to achieve personal growth and positive change.

Hi, I’m Michelle. I’m a licensed therapist who works well with students who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to handle everything they’re carrying, whether that’s stress, relationship challenges, family pressure, or emotions that feel too big or confusing. My approach is calm, real, and collaborative. I help you understand what’s happening inside, make sense of patterns that no longer serve you, and build clarity and confidence in how you move through your life and relationships. You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Just come as you are, we’ll navigate it together.

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。

Navigating the wild ride of your 20s? I feel you. College throws all sorts of challenges our way, right? The anxiety, stress, and those moments where it feels like life is one big question mark. Well, guess what? You're not alone in this journey. Imagine a space where you can kick back, share your thoughts, and not worry about judgment. That's what our therapy sessions are all about. We get that being in your 20s isn't all Insta-worthy moments. Sometimes, it's about figuring out who you are, dealing with the adulting stuff, and handling emotions that seem to come out of nowhere. So, let's make this journey a bit more manageable. In our sessions, we'll dive into the messiness together, finding clarity, resilience, and maybe even a bit of humor along the way. Because your 20s are a ride, and you deserve a co-pilot. Ready to chat? Cheers to navigating the chaos!