Therapists for college students near UCLA

Hello! I am a licensed clinical social worker in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I also recently earned my PhD in social work. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients better understand the relationship between thoughts and feelings. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment.

You are feeling stuck and overwhelmed from the pain and trauma of your past. At times it feels like your body and mind are at odds, out of your own control, and you feel distant from yourself and others around you. You're unsure of how to move forward but you know it can't continue on like this. You're looking for a sense of peace and safety within yourself and your relationships. You want to finally leave the past in the past and show up as more wholly you. Whether you are just beginning to explore the ways your past has impacted you or you've been in therapy before, I believe lasting change and healing is possible.

To the strong ones, You’re the one everyone leans on—but who do you lean on when the weight gets too heavy? You’ve built a life around being the reliable one, the fixer, and the steady hand in every storm. Whether in your career or your family, you are the person with the answers, the one who 'carries it well.' But high-functioning isn't the same as high-flourishing, and the pressure to maintain that strong exterior has become a silent tax on your peace of mind. Being the 'strong one' is a lonely place to be. While you’re busy taking care of the world, your own needs have become an after-thought. You deserve a space where you don’t have to perform, hold the posture, or take care of anyone else. We specialize in working with high-capacity individuals who are ready to trade "performing strength" for authentic resilience. Our approach is a blend of deep empathy and direct, results-oriented insight. This is your sanctuary—a place to deconstruct the pressure to have all the answers and finally breathe. You’ve taken care of everyone else long enough. It’s time someone held the space for you. Contact us today to schedule your free 15 minute phone consultation.

Many of the students I work with feel overwhelmed by their thoughts, anxious about the future, or stuck in patterns they can’t seem to break. Some deal with intrusive thoughts, constant worry, or panic that gets in the way of school, relationships, or sleep. Others are coping with past experiences, burnout, or the pressure to “keep it all together.” I offer a space where you don’t have to pretend you’re fine. Together, we slow things down, understand what’s happening in your mind and body, and build tools that help you feel more grounded, confident, and in control of your life.

Hey! I’m Afshin — pronounced “of-sheen,” like the glimmer in your eye when you realize you're allowed to feel your feelings and still be funny about it. Looking for someone who’s real, queer, neurodivergent-friendly, and actually shows up in the room with you? I’m really glad you’re here. I work with new parents running on crumbs and caffeine, teens navigating identity and pressure, young adults facing messy transitions, and LGBTQIA+ folks tired of translating their experience for people who just don’t get it. I pull from Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic, DBT, CBT, and Solution-Focused approaches — but mostly, I bring curiosity, honesty, humor, and a human-first vibe. I don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” healing. Some weeks we’re untangling trauma; other weeks, we’re celebrating tiny wins — like eating a real meal or setting a boundary without the shame. My core values? Radical kindness, transparency, and the belief that being “too much” is a damn superpower. If you’re craving therapy that feels like a mix between a grounding conversation and a gentle push toward who you actually want to be — let’s talk. I’m here when you’re ready.

I became a therapist because I understand that everyone needs and deserves a safe and trusting space to process the human experience, be it the challenges and transitions, concerns and worries, relationships with self and others, or ever-changing emotions and thoughts that can make navigating life difficult, confusing, or overwhelming. I believe that each individual experience is unique, while also understanding that no one should feel alone or that what they feel or need is wrong, abnormal, or cannot be validated. I work with my clients to help them feel empowered and capable of making decisions to live a most fulfilling life, as well as able to handle stressors and meeting their needs. I have experience working with people of all ages and backgrounds and am well-versed in providing treatment for folx who are neurodiverse or within the BIPOC, gender diverse, and LGBTQIA+ communities. I provide services for people dealing with anxiety, depression, AD/HD, personality disorders, substance abuse/dependence, eating disorders and body image issues, attachment and adjustment disorders, relationship challenges, emotional disturbance and/or trauma, and behavioral challenges. I have additional training in sex therapy and provide treatment for couples and those in polyamorous relationships. I practice from a psychodynamic, client-centered, and holistic approach with an unbiased perspective. My treatment modalities have included solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral therapy, emotionally-focused therapy, ecopsychology, and existential psychotherapy. I strive to build honest, lasting relationships with my clients so that together we can consider and process the multiple factors that contribute to one’s mental health and life choices, as well as uncover the underlying fears that can impact our feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. I further highlight the mind and body connection, exploring the relationship between our physical and emotional or mental selves and how they work together, as well as what role and impact our spirituality (however it is expressed or manifested) plays within our conceptualization of life.

If your life had a resumé, “chameleon” would be at the top. You’re so good at figuring out others’ needs, they’d never suspect that you have them too. If you were honest with yourself, though, you’d admit how stressful it is to live for other people. You’re terrified you’ll lose relationships if you speak up or say no. Your energy is drained or you feel resentful. You’re exhausted from wondering if others like you or approve of you. If you make choices that disappoint others, you feel guilty and selfish. Your whole identity is about pleasing others, & you want to feel comfortable being your authentic self, but you have no idea how. If this sounds like you, I’ve got you! We’ll shift your story so you'll see your sensitivity to others as a strength. You’ll be a boundaries badass who feels confident with your decisions. You’ll take your perfectionism head on and feel able to live in the present. And you’ll have action steps that feel good, because they’re finally in line with YOUR goals. I specialize in treating Highly Sensitive People and recovering perfectionists & people-pleasers. I see clients online through a convenient video platform, so that therapy can work seamlessly with your busy life. Contact me for a free 20-minute consultation to determine if I’m the right therapist for you! I look forward to speaking with you!

My approach to therapy is rooted in a belief that change is possible. Most of my clients come to me because something in their lives isn't working. Whether the problem is familial, romantic, professional, emotional, or even existential, I find it usually comes down to a matter of relationship. How are we relating to the things that cause us to suffer? When we understand these relationships and the parts we play in them, we are free to make different choices, and to experience our lives, ourselves, and our loves in richer, more fulfilling ways. While I see clients with a wide range of presenting issues, I have a high level of expertise in family conflict, childhood trauma, addiction, codependency and eating disorders. I also have a passion for helping artists of all kinds to overcome the self-limiting beliefs that lead to creative blocks. I have additional training in EMDR (an evidence based model for trauma therapy), mindfulness practice, and family systems, and I hold an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University.

Whether you are experiencing difficulty in the here and now or struggling with things of your past, having a neutral, safe place to work through that is just for you can help. I have found that college students are at a prime place in their lives to make a meaningful impact through talk therapy. Career choices, family expectations, and relationships can take a toll on mental health and feel overwhelming at times. Therapy can help.

Therapy offers a confidential place of refuge where you can be seen and heard. Together we will explore how daily external pressures and feelings of self-blame, self-criticism, fear or sadness, as well as loss and past trauma, may be affecting your ability to move forward or express yourself in an authentic way. By devoting time and attention to understanding your unique story and the ways in which past relationships shape current ones, you can gain greater self-awareness and an understanding of how underlying feelings and thoughts are affecting your mood. In building a strong, supportive relationship I will help you uncover core issues. I primarily use a psychodynamic, creative approach to guide my clients towards greater self-compassion and clarity that will allow you to feel more confident in your ability to change and heal.

I work mainly with individuals. Due to coronavirus concerns, I’m now available only for online (telehealth) sessions. In our sessions, we address such questions as: Are you having difficulties in your relationships? Do you experience anxiety or depression? Do you just want to feel better about yourself and reach your full potential? In addition, I specialize in helping creative and LGB people. Are you a creative person: Dealing with very high standards for yourself, so that only “perfection” is good enough? Do you have doubts about your own self-worth? Do you have a hard time dealing with: rejection the ups and downs of the creative process the task of constantly having to find new jobs? I help creative people to: Recognize that being creative is HARD!! Strive for excellence, not “perfection“ Become more patient with themselves Stop listening to internal, negative voices! Are you a Lesbian, gay, or bisexual who: struggles with coming out doubts your own self-worth judges yourself negatively has difficulty with society’s prejudice and discrimination I help LGB people to: be PROUD of who they are empower themselves embrace their positive qualities and achievements

We often feel trapped by our circumstances, voiceless in our relationships and powerless to cause significant change in our lives. But whether you are seeking individual, couples, or group therapy, you have taken a leap into the process of healing. With curiosity and a fresh perspective, I aim to empower you to reclaim your voice, work towards the change you seek, and to meet your authentic self. Though you have already taken the first step, I hope to foster the healing process even further by providing a deeply caring, non-judgmental atmosphere. It has been important for me to work with a wide breadth of clients. I have experience with diverse age groups, races, gender identities, and sexual orientations, and have worked in community mental health, residential treatment, school settings, and private practice. If you are are seeking a space to explore feelings connected to lack of motivation, avoidance, anxiety, low self-esteem, difficulty in platonic and romantic relationships, and feeling burnout from your current way of moving through the world, know that there is hope of having a different experience of yourself, your relationships and the world around you. Within working with a wide breath of clients, I have a passion for men’s mental health and working with young men and the issues that come up in their lives today. Through it all, however, my approach has always been focused on the human in front of me, and in meeting them where they are. I work with my individuals, couples and groups to help you gain a better understanding of yourself and your relationships. With a psychodynamic lens and a belief that as a species we all have the need to connect, I look forward to hearing from you to see how we may feel about working together.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Here at Rachel Wakeford Therapy, I realize that no two people are the same, and tailor my therapy to meet your specific needs as an individual. I love helping people understand the things that are holding them back with an in-depth approach. After recognizing underlying problems, clients can fully realize their strengths and adjust certain behaviors and thoughts to see things in a different, healthier way.

I'm a passionate LCSW with 8 years of experience, specializing in guiding individuals through life transitions, anxiety, depression and postpartum challenges. From supporting young minds to aiding adults, my gentle client-centered approach is here to help navigate your path to well-being. Ideal clients: Those who are willing to reflect on personal self growth, are motivated for therapy, and ready to engage! Everyone has the potential for healing. Please note I am currently in the process of getting paneled with other insurances as well, please inquire if you do not see one listed yet!

My name is Volker Nabavi. I am a board certified Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I had received trained in both medical and nursing fields. This diverse background enables me to apply both medical and nursing theories to manage my client’s mental health holistically and meet them at their level. I believe in a strong connection between our mind and body. My approach is based on the holistic care model involving all aspects of life including psychological, biological, emotional, social and spiritual dimensions. I understand that our mental health is inseparable from those aspects and our environment, relationships and lifestyle play crucial roles in our mental health. My area of interest includes: Depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, substance use, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and Bipolar disorders. I am an avid listener and authentic provider. I meet my client’s at their level and provide them with holistic care. I believe in multifactorial approach in managing my clients’ mental health. Combining psychotherapy , lifestyle change and medication is the optimal approach may lead to best clinical outcome and long term relief.

When we think of art, we typically think of paintings, films, and music. But what about living life? Ancient Greek philosophers believed that living life is an art. They also thought that, with practice, we can learn to be better artists. I believe that to live well, to navigate the challenges and struggles of life in a way that is authentic to who we are and who we want to be, would be nothing short of creating a masterpiece. Just like there is no one right way to create art, there is no one right way to live life. I believe therapy is a collaborative process that aims to create art through the life we live. I work with people of all ages and cultures who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, family/relationship issues, and self-esteem issues, among other concerns. I also have extensive experience working with teenagers and young adults, especially those struggling with difficult life transitions, anger issues, and problematic video game/internet usage. Remember, there is no one right way to create art, but there is a way that works best for you. That is what we are working toward. If you are struggling with any of these issues, or you are the parent of someone who is, it would be my honor to schedule a free consultation session with you, learn more about you and your goals, and see if we are a good fit.

I work best with students who are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or unsure of themselves while navigating school, relationships, work, or major life changes. You might be holding a lot together on the outside while feeling emotionally drained or stuck on the inside. If you’re looking for therapy that feels warm, supportive, and collaborative—where you can go at your own pace—we may be a good fit.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.