Therapists for college students near UCLA

If you feel things in a big way, you are in the right place. You may be highly sensitive, an empath, or feeling the weight of injustices. I work with creative people who feel things deeply. I support in processing trauma, anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, people pleasing, gender expression, and sexuality. I am committed to social justice and believe mental health does not exist in a vacuum. We are influenced by the society and world around us. My approach to therapy is rooted in values of anti-oppression and acknowledging the systemic factors that impact wellbeing.

Hello! I am an Asian-American therapist and I work with young adults dealing with anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, self-esteem, relationship difficulties, identity exploration, navigating adulthood, and intergenerational and multi-cultural experiences. If you’ve struggled with any of these, 1) you’re a human being, and 2) you’ve arrived at the right place. I am here to welcome you and all of your humanness! As a therapist, I can teach you the skills to navigate how to address these struggles. I want to create a safe space so that you can explore your life without worry of judgment. I aim to bring warmth and humor into the therapy room, as well as a deep commitment to getting to learn about you and work towards your life goals! You and I will be a team. You are the expert in your life, and I will act as a guide to help you on the path that you want to take towards healing. I want you to feel empowered to learn more about your inner workings so that you can take on the world!

You may be trying to figure out who you are and what you want to do, possibly for the first time. You are probably navigating big changes in relationships, whether that is making new friends, figuring out where you fit in, communicating with professors/advisors, or redefining relationships with family. It can be overwhelming. While this can be an incredibly stressful time, it is also full of possibility and growth. You don't have to figure it out alone - therapy can be a wonderful place where you can slow down and get the support you need and deserve. I absolutely love working with undergraduate and graduate students. Many people who work with me are navigating something invisible that makes them feel different - whether that is anxiety or depression, a chronic health condition, grief or trauma, relationship concerns, life transitions, or parts of your identity that may be unseen. I am especially passionate about working with artists/creatives, the LGBTQ+ community, and people who feel their emotions deeply. My style is empathetic, attentive, non-judgmental, and collaborative. I seek to create an affirming space where all parts of you that you wish to explore are welcomed. I bring careful listening and offer tools to help you feel more grounded, let go of unhelpful narratives, communicate effectively, and build better relationships with yourself and others.

About me I specialize in counseling for diverse college students, student-athletes, and working professionals in healthcare, business, engineering and scientific disciplines. I collaborate with clients to help them resolve anxiety, life transitions, work-life concerns, family or relationship conflict, bereavement, and trauma. ​​My experience spans inpatient, community counseling, employee assistance (EAP), university counseling (CAPS), and D1 athletics settings. I have a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine GSEP, an MBA from Babson College, and completed advanced training in Sport Psychology, CBT, ACT, and IPSRT modalities. My Approach My practice helps high performers overcome the complex stressors of their profession and personal lives using an integrated wellness perspective that combines evidence-based therapy, sport psychology, and holistic mind-body interventions. Taking a person-centered approach that considers unique multicultural identities, I am passionate about helping clients realize their unidentified strengths and resiliency, so they can maximize their compassion at work, in their relationships, and in themselves.

Are you feeling worried, stressed and/or overwhelmed on a regular basis? Do you often put other people's wants and needs before your own? Do you experience self-doubt or struggle with low self-esteem that leads you to feel like your thoughts, feelings and opinions are not important? If this sounds like you, you are probably also experiencing burn-out, imposter syndrome, disconnection with your body/emotions, and/or significant life-changes. You want to feel a sense of calm and assurance that you can move through your day with ease. I would be honored to walk this journey alongside you. To hold space for you, to support you and remind you that you have all the tools to lead the life you envision for yourself. If this resonates with you, please feel free to reach out!

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.

You just need to do figure out to eat for dinner, you’ve done it a million times, so why does it feel so hard? In my practice, I’ve learned that we often go through life reacting to situations without fully understanding why. I specialize in working with neurodivergent young adults (i.e. ADHD, Autism, OCD) and I'm passionate about helping people understand how their unique minds and bodies work. There is so much you are already doing instinctively to cope with things (probably a lot of it without even realizing it's a coping skill), I just get to help you figure out what that is and how to use it more effectively. By untangling your thoughts, exploring your feelings, and developing a deeper understanding of your mind and body, I will help you regain the power to build a life that works for you. Trying new things can be hard but what you’re doing isn’t easy. It’s worth giving yourself a chance. Please contact me if you would like to schedule a free consultation.

Luck, interest, fascination of the complexity of the human psyche and opportunity. I find meaning and purpose in the privilege that comes with another’s trust in navigating adapting to life’s inevitable uncertainties. Do you feel heard and understood currently? I understand the general concept, but can you please share what “heard and understood” currently means to you? Where do you feel most and least? Let’s explore that and identify your expectations of me as the provider. Collaborative, insight oriented, strength based skill development. Short term solution focused interventions with the intended strategy to encourage increased autonomy, emotional intelligence/resiliency in accepting and navigating life’s uncertainties and intricacies!

As a therapist, I pride myself in the confidentiality and the general skills I can offer you like any other therapist. However, what you can expect with my practice goes beyond the standard therapeutic experience. My practice is person-centered and non-judgmental across several subjects, domains, circumstances, and themes. I also pride myself in being multi-dimensional in identity politics; I am Trans-Affirmative, LGBTQ+ Affirmative, Sex-positive, Body positive, Kink-positive, and more. I approach the world and my work from a lens of inclusivity rather than exclusivity. We all deserve quality care regardless of how we identify. Reach out for your free consult. Please be aware that while this site asks me to include my initial and ongoing session fees, it does not allow me to clarify my sliding scale; please feel free to inquire about that if needed. I would be honored to take this journey with you!

Avoid traffic & travel time with Video/Phone Telehealth sessions (I do not offer in person counseling). Do you enjoy learning about yourself, seeking joy, purpose and growth all while keeping a sense of humor about life and yourself even when facing challenges? Are you dealing with stress, anxiety, major life changes or adjustments (career, moving, marriage, separation, break-up or divorce), trauma or grief and loss? These have been my areas of specialty for 20+years. I also love working with those in the entertainment industry or in the helping professions (healthcare, mental health, caregivers, spiritual / coaches). Sound like you? I may be a fit! Time does not heal all wounds. But, what you do with your time can make a HUGE difference. Using grief, loss, CBT, and stress management techniques, together we can work on everything from individual support for children, teens or adults to couples or family counseling. I like seeing the results in my clients feeling happier, healthier and satisfied. Whether it's your first time in therapy or you have had experience in the past and life circumstances have led you back to searching for someone new, I hope I can help. I know from personal experience that weeding through all the therapists is a daunting task, and finding the best fit for you is essential. Note: I don't take insurance and provide paperwork for you to submit to any PPO for Out of Network Benefit reimbursement.

As your therapist, my priority is to create a therapeutic environment that fosters growth and positive change. I'm excited to work with you, addressing your challenges and helping you achieve your goals. Therapy is a transformative process that can guide you towards becoming the healthiest and happiest version of yourself.

If you feel like you’ve been missing out on life due to your mental health, you don’t have to go through this alone. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, panic attacks, OCD, addictions, relationship or sexual issues, or the unique pressures of working in the entertainment industry, I’m here to help. My approach is compassionate, direct, and tailored to your needs—offering a space where you can explore challenges, build resilience, and move toward meaningful change. I specialize in working with young adults, professionals, and individuals seeking relief from overwhelming thoughts, addictive patterns, and life transitions. Together, we’ll identify what’s holding you back, develop effective coping strategies, and work toward a life that feels more balanced and fulfilling. Stress, self-doubt, and old patterns can make it hard to move forward, even when you know something needs to change. Having grown up as a professional child actress, I’ve experienced firsthand the pressures of performance, perfectionism, and identity—shaping my understanding of how early experiences can impact mental health. In therapy, we’ll focus on what’s actually getting in your way—not just surface-level fixes, but meaningful shifts that help you feel more grounded and in control of your life. If you’re looking for a space to figure things out without judgment, let’s talk.

Hi! I’m Jen, a therapist living & working in Santa Monica, CA. I offer in-person and virtual therapy for teens, adults, and couples, with a special focus on supporting college students navigating life’s big transitions. College can feel like a constant pressure to have it all figured out, like keeping up with classes, planning your future, maintaining relationships, becoming independent. It’s easy to go on autopilot and miss the internal struggles happening under the surface. In our work together, we’ll take a closer look at the patterns, beliefs, and experiences shaping how you move through the world - not with judgment, but with curiosity. That might mean noticing how the past shows up in the present, tuning into what actually feels good (which often gets overlooked), or learning how to ask for what you need with more confidence and empathy. I know firsthand what it’s like to seem “fine” on the outside while feeling overwhelmed inside. My own experiences navigating high-pressure environments, family dynamics, and personal growth have shown me how powerful it is to have a space for reflection, connection, and honest support. My approach is insight-driven, relational, and strength-based. This means we'll work on understanding why you do what you do, not to label it, but to learn from it, and build on the strengths you already bring to the table. The relationship we build in therapy becomes a space to practice things like vulnerability, setting boundaries, and getting your needs met, so that over time, the changes you make here can ripple into your everyday life — in classes, friendships, dating, and beyond.

Psychology is a fascinating field and I am passionate about helping people achieve their best selves. I have been practicing therapy for many years and in that time it has been a joy for me to see people find their joy and hope, and thrive! I believe in a collaborative working relationship and thus I approach therapy with a curious mind as we explore and discuss. I like to encourage self-empowerment, agency and independence and I like to check in with clients to confirm what I hear and give them the final say over their choice and life; I am merely the guide. I believe in practicing therapy collaboratively, working together where we will explore and discover the roadblocks and difficulties that brought them into therapy, and introducing new perspectives that will assist them in finding new ways to resolve their challenges. This is a recovery journey and I am merely the guide to assist each client in finding their best selves.

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.

Greetings and welcome to my professional profile. I am committed to providing exceptional care with a focus on individual needs. My medical career has spanned the challenging environment of acute psychiatric care to the compassionate realm of family health services. As a Nurse Practitioner, my approach involves a comprehensive understanding of your health. I meticulously compile your medical history and conduct thorough examinations to ensure we address all aspects of your well-being. Interpreting laboratory tests and devising customized care plans are among my core competencies. My proficiency extends to minor surgical procedures and advanced diagnostic evaluations, collaborating with physicians to deliver seamless care. My capabilities also include remote consultations for an array of healthcare institutions, where I oversee laboratory analyses, medication management, and coordinate referrals to specialists as necessary. I am adept at performing in-depth health assessments during home visits, ensuring continuity of care and clear communication with your primary healthcare provider. My nursing experience encompasses both the fast-paced medical-surgical settings and the intensive care required in psychiatric wards, where I have provided direct patient care and leadership to healthcare teams. Reflecting on my earlier career in the Philippines, I gained valuable experience in anesthesia and served as a proactive community health officer, implementing vital health initiatives and providing direct patient care. I am dedicated to imparting knowledge that empowers you to make informed decisions regarding your healthcare. Patient safety is my foremost priority; I am vigilant in identifying potential risks and implementing necessary interventions without delay. I invite you to consider me as your healthcare ally. Let us collaborate professionally to achieve optimal health outcomes for you.

Welcome! I’m a therapist committed to helping adults tackle anxiety, stress, panic, and overwhelm. Life can feel intense with school, work, relationships, and the added layer of cultural expectations. If you’re stuck in cycles of worry or feeling drained, know that you’re not alone. We’ll explore the roots of your struggles and tap into your strengths to find coping strategies that feel right for you. We all face moments where worry, stress, and self-doubt creep in, impacting focus, connection, and enjoyment. Adjusting to new roles, handling responsibilities, and dealing with imposter syndrome can make things feel even heavier. That’s why I’m here—to offer a safe, inclusive space where you can express yourself without judgment. Let’s work together to break through barriers and create a more empowered, authentic version of you. Together, we’ll challenge unhelpful thought patterns, manage anxiety, build healthy boundaries, and prioritize self-care. You deserve to feel in control of your mental health and embrace who you are. Let’s start this journey together, centering your experiences, values, and strengths every step of the way.

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.

Hello, I specialize in supporting high achievers in academia, sport, and medicine. As a bi-cultural neuropsychologist, I can help navigating questions of identity / cultural adjustment for international and multicultural clients. I see clients in most States: CA, IA, MA, NH & all PsyPact States (see list here: https://psypact.org/mpage/psypactmap). Do you struggle with perfectionism? Are you at a transition point in your career and in search of guidance for your next steps? Despite your achievements, you can never fully relax and you feel like you just have to keep going? We will work together to help you find a sense of direction, so you can appreciate what you have accomplished, and enjoy building the life you truly want! For more information, I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation at 603-585-5047. -- Ph.D. #1 from the Sorbonne University, Paris, France Ph.D. #2 from Harvard University UCLA Clinical Faculty & Dartmouth Researcher All services provided in English & in French

I was inspired to become a therapist by a deep belief in the human capacity for transformation. I hold hope for change even in the midst of struggle. Having walked my own journey of growth, I understand the courage it takes to be vulnerable and to trust another person with your story. I honor the sacredness of the therapeutic relationship and approach it with presence, compassion, and integrity. Working together is a collaborative and evolving process. I bring warmth, curiosity, and a nonjudgmental energy into the room. I meet each client as they are — without assumptions — and seek to understand their unique narrative. Trust is built through authenticity, attunement, and consistent care. I believe that when people feel safe and truly heard, they are better able to access their own strengths, heal old wounds, and move toward a more grounded and empowered way of living. My role is to walk alongside you — supporting self-awareness, resilience, and meaningful change at a pace that honors your process. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s Degree in Social Work, concentrating in Mental Health, from the University of Southern California. My work is grounded in a holistic, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach that honors the whole person — mind, body, spirit, relationships, and lived experience. I believe healing is not just about reducing symptoms, but about reconnecting to one’s inner resilience, wisdom, and capacity for growth. Transformation often unfolds through connection, safety, and feeling deeply seen. I strive to create a therapeutic space that nurtures all three. My work is guided by an intersectional lens and cultural humility. I recognize that each person carries layered identities, experiences, and histories that shape how they move through the world. By honoring these complexities, I collaborate with clients to co-create meaningful, personalized treatment that aligns with their values, culture, and goals.