Therapists for college students near UCLA

Dr. Aw's primary interest is the intersection between mental and physical health. Dr. Aw’s philosophy is that one does not exist outside the other. Furthermore, depression and anxiety in patients who are also suffering from medical issues can feel significantly worse, and it is his goal to get patients on a holistic road to recovery. An ideal patient for Dr. Aw understands that it takes a team to get them feeling better, and it is a collaboration between the patients themselves and Dr. Aw.

What inspired me to become a therapist was my own personal experience with therapy as a young child. I wanted to help other people with their journey to become mentally healthy, mindful, and self-aware for a new lifestyle that is encouraging and fulfilling to them. My goal is to create a safe space for clients during sessions by being an observant, nonjudgmental, and an empathetic therapist. My philosophy is “Aim Small to Hit Big”, which means to be present in the moment and set small attainable goals for yourself to build upon your successes and celebrate accomplishments one goal at a time.

I have over a decade of experience serving young adults/adults struggling with issues related to identity, culture, addiction, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and trauma. These issues can greatly impact a person's capacity to manage school and work performance and create interpersonal/relationship difficulties. I have a specialty serving individuals from Asian American/immigrant/people of color communities.

We all need a space where we can safely explore life’s many stressors, what feels heavy, experiences with anxiety, overwhelm, trauma, loss, relationship challenges, depression, neurodiversity. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I recognize everyone deserves a safe, supportive space where they can show up as their genuine self to process and sort through internal conflicts, battles, life’s challenges. I see therapy as a trusting partnership rooted in curiosity and safety, where we focus on strengthening your mental health and building on the strengths you already have. Therapy is a safe place to gently process what feels heavy, make sense of your lived experiences, and strengthen your overall mental health and well-being. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and guided by your goals, your pace and felt safety in sessions, and your lived experiences. I provide affirming, culturally responsive care for LGBTQI+ and BIPOC communities, as well as individuals across all life stages and backgrounds.​ I find daily morning and evening routines are incredibly helpful to maintaining my personal wellbeing and daily lived experiences. When I find myself struggling with life’s challenges, I turn to outlets such as nature, walks, music, writing to process, simple self care acts, spending time with those I love and care for, and snuggles with my pet.

You don’t have to go through this alone. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stuck in depression, navigating the weight of grief, or carrying the invisible wounds of military service, therapy can help you find stability, clarity, and relief. I specialize in working with adults facing anxiety, depression, life transitions, and grief. I also have extensive experience supporting active-duty military personnel and veterans and as a veteran myself, I understand the unique challenges that come with military life, whether it’s the stress of deployment, reintegration into civilian life, or managing trauma and loss. My approach is compassionate, practical, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I create a space where you’re heard without judgment and supported in making meaningful change. Together, we’ll work at your pace to understand what’s holding you back and build the tools to move forward with strength and resilience. I work from an eclectic approach including CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused, and Psychodynamic concepts. I also offer EMDR therapy, which is particularly effective for those impacted by traumatic experiences. Providing client-centered therapy and allowing my clients to feel seen and heard is something that I’m passionate about. I offer support with finding the best strategies to help you cope with feelings of anxiety and depression and feel more prepared to take on life’s stressors. Reach out today and let’s work together to find your path forward.

My educational, professional, and personal experiences, combined with a profound desire to help people heal and grow, are the foundation of my work as a psychotherapist. I provide a space where you are free to explore and share yourself. I strive to create an environment that allows you to safely discuss, reflect, uncover, and change. My ability to help people feel safe, accepted and welcome has been the cornerstone of my success as a psychotherapist. You may come as you are to address the things that are affecting you today.

I meet clients where they are with a grounded, pragmatic approach and we collaborate to make their daily lives more manageable and fulfilling by addressing outdated coping skills that are no longer helpful, self-sabotaging behaviors, and past traumas. I also offer coaching services, particularly for young professionals, those in counseling and wellness-oriented professions, and graduate students. I am especially interested in supporting my clients through the processes of self-development and self-innovation, as well as radical acceptance and growth.

Arboris Counseling Collective currently consists of two clinicians: Rachel Kinnard (LMFT161752) and Nicole Rodriguez (LMFT159223) Rachel specializes in treating generalized anxiety, body dysmorphia, and complex trauma, with a specific focus on helping individuals untangle the complexities of their lived experiences. If you are feeling stuck, uncertain, or disconnected, Rachel is here to help you move toward greater clarity, confidence, and alignment within yourself. Nicole is a late-diagnosed ADHD clinician that specializes in support individuals navigating neurodiversity. This can range from suspecting possible ADHD to support those with autism. To learn more about their individual styles please visit us at arboriscounselingco.com and/or schedule a complimentary (free) 15 minute consultation call

Struggling with navigating life, managing in a world that may feel overwhelming, and still managing to get up every day, looking to better yourself and your relationships? You may struggle with anxiety or depression, confusion or stress due to a whole host of reasons. Infidelity, infertility, body image, low self-worth, lack of confidence, existential crises, unhealthy coping mechanisms, narcissistic moms, everyday stressors and life transitions. Anything sound familiar? You may feel isolated and alone. Don’t worry. You’re not! You are unique, but you are not alone. Many many people struggle with these things and come to learn how to live differently.

Stephanie is a licensed therapist with over a decade of mental health experience across multiple cities and care levels. Her foundation as a clinician is built on evidence-based training, cultural sensitivity, and a deep commitment to helping people feel seen, understood, and empowered.

Each individual has their own story, values and spiritual preferences. As a warm and genuine, therapist, I believe in creating a safe space to guide you through insight and self exploration, in order to obtain healing and peace. As a woman of faith I appreciate when clients integrate spiritual beliefs and values in treatment. I love helping strong women who have survived pain, to help them re-write their life story with joy, confidence and faith -Psalms 30:11. I enjoy supporting pre-marital couples who are deeply in love. Serving as a facilitator to explore and establish clear expectations prior to saying, "I do".

Anxiety is taking up more space in your life than you’d like. On the outside, things look successful—people rely on you, and you generally handle what’s in front of you. But internally, it can feel very different. Your mind replays conversations late at night. You hold yourself to impossibly high standards. That critical inner voice is quick to point out what you should have done better. Even when you accomplish something meaningful, it rarely feels like enough. You may be someone who was labeled “gifted” or high-achieving early on. You’re thoughtful, capable, and used to performing well under pressure. Yet the constant drive to get it right can leave you exhausted. You might notice tension in your body that never quite goes away, difficulty truly relaxing, or moments when your reactions feel stronger than they should. You understand your patterns—you may have even done therapy before—but insight alone hasn’t fully created the change you’re looking for. In our work together, we move beyond simply talking about the problem. I integrate EMDR and somatic-informed approaches to help your nervous system process experiences that may still be driving anxiety, perfectionism, or emotional intensity beneath the surface. When the body has a chance to settle, the mind often follows. Therapy becomes less about “figuring it out” and more about creating meaningful, embodied change. Our sessions are collaborative, focused, and respectful of your time and intelligence. I provide a calm, professional space where you can slow down without losing momentum. Together, we clarify what matters most to you and work toward a life that feels grounded, balanced, and genuinely fulfilling—not just successful on paper. If you’re ready for therapy that goes deeper than insight alone and supports lasting change, I’d be glad to connect. I invite you to schedule a free consultation through my website.

Hi! My name is Dr. Archita Birla (she/her), and I am a Queer, South Asian American psychologist providing therapy services in Redwood City & throughout CA! I have experience working with teenagers and adults with Autism & ADHD, who are People of Color, and are Queer/LGBTQIA+ with various presenting concerns (anxiety, self-esteem concerns, emotion dysregulation). Particularly, I am passionate about working with BIPOC & Neurodivergent clients navigating self-diagnosis, self-accommodation, perfectionism, and negative self-talk. My own lived experience combined with my professional training in DBT, ACT, Narrative, and Feminist/Multicultural Therapies allow me to support clients using a person-centered approach. I support individuals through challenges - promoting clarity, healing, and values-driven change. I offer a safe and encouraging environment, where you are the expert of your lived experience. My therapeutic style is guided by curiosity, authenticity, and warmth. I recognize the vulnerability of showing up in therapy and commend you for seeking support in this journey. I firmly believe in the importance of a therapeutic relationship, and look forward to getting to know each other to see if we are a good fit!

I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) licensed in California, Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, and Nevada, serving students, young adults, and adults across these states. I specialize in helping clients navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, mood disorders, and stress related to school, work, or life transitions. I work best with college students and young adults who want support managing the unique stresses of academic life, relationships, and the transition into adulthood. My ideal students are ready to understand themselves better, develop healthy coping strategies, and create lasting changes, rather than rely on quick fixes. Many students I work with experience: Anxiety, depression, or stress that affects school, work, or social life ADHD, trauma, or mood challenges that make daily routines or academics difficult Feeling overwhelmed by expectations and wanting practical tools to manage responsibilities A desire for collaborative, personalized care that fits their lifestyle and goals I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where students can explore their mental health, learn effective strategies, and work toward long-term well-being. My approach combines therapy, lifestyle guidance, and medications when necessary, always focusing on what works best for each individual.

Have you ever felt like life's daily stressors are too much to handle? Are you wondering where you can turn to find some extra support? We all face challenges in our life, whether it is a transition to a new school or job, conflict in relationships, or difficulty managing our emotions. Seeking professional help can be the first vital step in making a change. I work with young adults looking to transform their lives. My goal is to work collaboratively with you to explore the shifts needed to launch you into a life filled with joy, peace, and fulfillment. I help individuals by first identifying the negative patterns that are holding you back and then establishing a plan to move things forward. I emphasize a strengths-based approach in my practice. I have specialized training and experience treating anxiety, depression, family conflict, substance/alcohol abuse, and trauma. My office is conveniently located in La Jolla and is walking distance to UCSD. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation to answer any questions you may have and to explore if I am the right fit for you or your family. Telehealth services provided through Doxy.me; super bills provided for insurance reimbursement. I look forward to speaking with you.

I'm a licensed therapist who works with children, teenagers, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges (including ADHD, oppositional defiant behaviors, and self-harm), school-related difficulties, self-esteem concerns, stress, substance use, relationship issues, trauma/PTSD, and major life transitions. I help clients strengthen their ability to cope with mental health symptoms and life stressors so they can reconnect with their strengths, move toward healing, and become the best version of themselves. I tailor my approach to each client's unique needs, recognizing that no two healing journeys look the same. My practice is shaped by my background as a former teacher and current school psychologist, where I merged my love for education with my passion for mental health. This experience allows me to bring a trauma-informed, person-centered lens to my work. I am trained in Brainspotting, a powerful modality that helps process trauma and supports emotional regulation. I am deeply passionate about helping others find hope that moves beyond an abstract idea and becomes something tangible and actionable. I believe lasting change is possible when individuals have access to a safe space, compassionate support, and practical tools to navigate life’s challenges.

I became a therapist because I’ve always been drawn to how people make sense of pain, identity, survival, and the patterns that shape how they relate to themselves and others. Before entering this field, I worked in settings where I supported people in crisis and helped connect them with care and resources. Over time, I realized I didn’t just want to help people stabilize through difficult moments, I wanted to support deeper, longer-term healing, especially around trauma, relationships, and identity. I’ve also become especially interested in couples work and relational patterns—how people affect one another, how cycles of conflict or distance develop, and how repair becomes possible. A lot of emotional pain shows up in relationships, and I’m interested in helping people slow those moments down so they can understand what’s happening underneath reactivity and disconnection. Alongside that, I’m committed to working with neurodivergent clients, including ADHD and OCD, as well as LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. I’m interested in how people navigate differences in attention, regulation, intrusive thoughts, identity, and communication, especially in systems that haven’t always understood or accommodated those experiences. My goal is to create a space where those differences aren’t pathologized, but understood in context. Feeling heard is something we build actively in the room, not something that just happens automatically. I slow the process down when needed so each person has space to fully express what they’re experiencing, especially in moments where emotions are high, communication feels stuck, or patterns start repeating. I listen for both what is said directly and what might be happening underneath needs, fears, protective responses, and the meaning each person is making of the situation. In couples work, I pay close attention to the interaction itself: how cycles form, where disconnection happens, and what each person may be protecting or trying to communicate through their reactions. With trauma, neurodivergence, ADHD, OCD, and LGBTQ+ experiences, I also stay attentive to how past environments may have shaped how safe it feels to speak openly, regulate emotions, or be fully seen. I check in regularly to make sure I’m understanding each of you accurately, and I welcome correction if something doesn’t land right. The goal is for both of you to feel that your experience is taken seriously, even when your perspectives differ. Working together is a collaborative process where we look at what’s bringing you in, what patterns are repeating, and how those patterns show up both individually and between you as a couple. I don’t approach therapy as something I’m doing to you, but as something we’re actively building together over time. Trust develops through consistency, clarity, and responsiveness. I aim to create a structured but flexible space where we can slow things down enough to understand what’s happening beneath conflict, shutdown, or overwhelm. In couples work, that often means tracking the interaction in real time and helping both partners feel understood without losing sight of accountability or impact. With neurodivergence, ADHD, and OCD in particular, I also pay attention to how attention, impulse, certainty, doubt, and regulation affect communication and relationships. With trauma and LGBTQ+ clients, I focus on creating a space where safety, respect, and identity are not assumed or questioned, but actively supported. Throughout our work, I check in about how the process is feeling and adjust as needed so therapy remains useful, grounded, and aligned with what matters most to you. Outside of therapy, I like having creative outlets and noticing small, grounding moments in everyday life. I also spend time with my dog, a Beagle, Frenchie, who has a lot of personality and a strong opinion about absolutely everything. She’s a good reminder that even in deeper work around trauma, relationships, and identity, there’s still space for humor, warmth, and moments that don’t feel so heavy.

Hello and Welcome! I am an SCU alumni and currently have a fully remote and in-person practice (In person on Thursdays only). Ultimately, we all hit bumps in the road associated with being human and making our way through LIFE. But you don't have to struggle and suffer alone. There is support, and I'm happy to help. I enjoy helping people work through issues around stress, addiction, codependency, anxiety, substance abuse, boundaries, family issues, relationship issues, and issues around life transitions. "Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional..." -Haruki Murakami

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Texas (licensed in both Texas and California), I specialize in providing support and guidance to individuals navigating ADHD and other forms of neurodivergence. My online practice is built on a foundation of empathy, multicultural competence, and the creation of safe, nonjudgmental space for all clients. I believe every person's journey is unique and deserves an approach tailored to their specific needs. By integrating evidence-based practices with a deep understanding of neurodivergent experiences, I help clients uncover their strengths, develop tools for success, and to live authentically in a world that was not created for them

Hi, I’m Iris, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and owner of Iris Therapy and Counseling. I work with college students and young adults who may be feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, relationships, family expectations, past experiences, or the pressure of trying to figure out what they want their future to look like. College can be an exciting time, but it can also bring a lot of change. You may be balancing school, work, friendships, family responsibilities, relationships, and your own mental health all at once. My approach to therapy is warm, supportive, and collaborative. I help clients better understand their emotions, develop healthier ways of coping, improve their relationships, build confidence, and work through experiences that may be keeping them stuck. I provide therapy in English and Spanish and incorporate approaches such as EMDR, CBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. My goal is to create a space where you can be yourself, feel understood, and get support without judgment while you navigate this stage of your life.