Therapists for college students near UCLA

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Positive experiences with mental health care, both personally and through seeing its impact on those around me, inspired me to become a therapist. I value how it can meaningfully improve functioning and overall well-being, especially during times when people feel stuck or in need of additional support. This impact led me to pursue becoming a mental health therapist with the goal of providing that same support and guidance to others. My goal in helping clients is to support and empower them through the journey of healing and growth. I believe in providing a warm, trusting, and non-judgmental space that offers unconditional support and positive regard, helping clients feel comfortable sharing their feelings and experiences. Given my bi-racial and multi-cultural background, I believe it is essential to understand and incorporate the multi-faceted nature of each client’s context and background in order to effectively support them in working toward their therapeutic goals. In session, I offer a warm, collaborative, and safe environment grounded in respect, sensitivity, and compassion for every client I work with. When appropriate, I incorporate humor and positivity, while also validating the challenge and difficult areas of life for clients. I focus on empowering my clients using approaches that integrate person-centered therapy, strengths-based therapy, humanistic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). I take an eclectic and flexible approach to best suit the needs of each client. My aim is to provide a space to explore and understand clients’ unique personalities and experiences so I can equip them with the tools needed for long-term growth, resilience, and improved well-being. A fun personal fact is that I grew up in a military family, which gave me the opportunity to spend much of my childhood living abroad, including in Japan and Germany. Later, my education and early adult life took me to New York and Boston, but I love California the most and call it home now. I also am an animal lover, I love seeing client pets!

The world is in upheaval but I believe in the common thread of humanity and I think acknowledging the agency we have over our own lives is one of the most important tasks we all share right now which we often need help with. Most of us have found ourselves vulnerable to the anguish of uncertainty in our lives, and it is my privilege as a therapist to help others work on living more directed, conscious & meaningful lives. My role as a therapist is to facilitate a safe space that embraces vulnerability and is accountable, honest, and authentic. I encourage feedback while embracing a non-judgmental approach, and believe in the power of the therapeutic alliance to affect deep and abiding change. My intention is to humbly hold a safe space for my clients and to utilize the skills, education, and training I have to offer them alternative ways of assessing, defining, and managing the various challenges in their lives. I believe in the lived experiences of my clients and make an effort to build trust in open and non-intrusive ways. I am a proponent of seeking self-regulation through nature and enjoy spending time outside to find balance in my daily life. This aligns with my therapeutic approach, which recognizes the profound impact of the environment on mental well-being and utilizes grounding techniques inspired by the natural world to help reduce stress, depression, and anxiety.

I love being a Mental health Therapist. I have been licensed as a Marriage and family child therapist, since January, 5 1985. I have worked in private practice and with Medical groups to provide the best mental health care available to each individual and to our community. I enjoy working with individuals, families, and with adolescents to improve daily functioning and improved mental health. I see each client as an individual with past experiences that only they can share their own history. It is very important to listen to what the client has experienced and to share their history. Trust and an empathetic relationship is paramount to have the client feel heard and safe.

Hi, I'm Brandi Walker, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and owner of B.O.L.D.L.Y. Therapy. I provide psychotherapy services to California and Oregon residents. I work to help clients obtain and retain quality mental health by providing useful psychotherapy services delivered with empathy, authenticity, flexibility, and professionalism. I provide clients with a safe confidential therapeutic space to discuss concerns, feel valued, and supported.​ I provide supportive psychotherapy services using a solution-focused approach that targets client's immediate needs, while highlighting client's strengths and resources, in efforts to alleviate mental problems and improve their overall life. I will work together with clients to improve their mental health in hopes to create opportunities for clients to learn and grow into the person they want to be. You can learn more about me at my website www.boldlytherapy.com

Honest Insight is an individual and couples counseling service dedicated towards developing self-awareness and healthier relationships with ourselves and others. We provide in person services (Pasadena) and virtual services throughout CA. Clients that choose to work with us are curious to learn about how their unique childhood experiences have influenced their current adult lives. You want to be more effective in managing relationships (romantic, family, professional, social), and develop the confidence to live life with more meaning. It is possible to feel safe, experience happiness and worry less. We are trauma informed and work from a relational focus. We can work together to gain insight and explore your past so that you can develop a better understanding of your experiences and how they have impacted you. Our therapists have been trained in several modalities including Emotionally Focused Therapy, EMDR, CBT, ACT, DBT and more trauma based approaches.

My personal identities include: child of immigrants, millennial, cis woman, queer, & mostly able bodied. I find joy in working with: fat/larger bodied folks, the global majority/children of immigrants, & 2SLGBTQIA+. I found that navigating both my culture and what society expected of me was in a lot of ways harmful to my mental health and safety. I continue to go on my own journey of therapy, finding safe community and exploring my own biases. I often watch anime, play video games, board games, and love to bring those into session if appropriate. The topics, tools and space we create together are to support your exploration. Our clinical space will be filled with self compassion so that we can integrate your mind, body, and soul in healing relationships with your own body and others. Through my living/ed experience as a fat person of color, I welcome conversations about intersectionality and systemic oppression. I have spent the majority of my career supporting people of color navigate through different phases of life, especially in college years. We will explore safety in the body, grounding, expressing complex thoughts/feelings, family dynamics and patterns that may or may not serve you anymore. My hope is that you’ll gain a deeper understanding of yourself, celebrate who you are, and recognize the tools you have to support your wellness. My clinical approach: fat liberation, anti-racist, intersectional lens, and sex positive.

Hi, my name is Emiko and I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Foresight Mental Health. I earned my Doctorate of Nursing Practice from the University of San Francisco and am Board Certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. With over 12 years experience in Perinatal Health, I am passionate about individuals living their best lives. I am inspired to work in the field of mental health because I believe in the power of support and that everyone deserves access to high quality, patient-centered, and trauma- informed mental health care. I have a strong commitment to improving health outcomes particularly within underserved communities, including first-generation college students, immigrants and their descendants, people of color, and those experiencing perinatal mental health disorders. My approach is collaborative and individualized. I work with you to understand your unique needs and values, and together we develop a treatment plan that aligns with your goals. I integrate evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and medication management, with a holistic and patient-centered approach to empower you to make informed decisions about your mental health. All psychiatry providers at Foresight have specialized experience in treating a wide range of common mental health conditions, including but not limited to ADHD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, depression, and PTSD. In addition, I specialize in the following areas: academic stress, BIPOC mental health issues, deprescribing, trauma-informed care, first responders, grief, pregnancy, prenatal, postpartum

Hi! My name is Mary and I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist and Somatic Experiencing practitioner based in Southern California. Are you struggling with your emotions in a chaotic world? Unsure of how to support yourself through a life transition? Or just wanting support to find your full potential? Let me meet you where you are at in your journey to help you understand how to support yourself through difficult and complex times. I work with individuals of all ages in the therapy space. If you are searching for the best version of yourself, no matter your background, you are supported in this space to make that discovery. I have a special focus on women's issues and how mental health and physical health go hand in hand to find a balance. My journey to becoming a therapist started many years ago with an introduction to Jungian psychology and working with my own dreams to understand who I was becoming as a person. It has inspired me to be a more curious individual and to impart that knowledge to my clients in the therapy space.

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.

Hi, I'm Dr. Tobi! I typically work with young adults presenting with various concerns including anxiety disorders, relationship issues, relational trauma (including narcissistic abuse), dating challenges, family issues, codependency, adjustment issues, confidence and self-esteem issues, and depression. I also provide psychological testing/assessment for diagnostic clarification, including ADHD testing (ADHD testing will be provided in-person in Orange County). My approach to therapy involves a holistic and collaborative process; I will work together with you on your personal journey of growth, change, and empowerment. I integrate multiple therapeutic modalities to best fit your individual needs, including CBT, DBT, internal family systems, psychodynamic, attachment, and mindfulness-based approaches. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is a vital aspect of therapy. I will provide a safe, nonjudgmental therapeutic space for you to feel understood and supported in. As we work on your goals together, I will provide you with effective tools to utilize while also helping you identify and strengthen your own internal resources. I am happy to offer free phone consultations to discuss your treatment needs and answer any questions you may have. You can call me at (949) 751-6157. I look forward to speaking with you and being a part of your healing journey!

I became a mental health provider because everyone’s gone through something in their life that made them the person they are today. Good or bad, I truly feel passionate about using my experiences to help others achieve their goals and feel supported. I have been providing counseling services for over 12 years and have extensive experience working with the student population. I am a proud Alumni of CSU Channel Islands and Azusa Pacific University! Cannot wait to start working with you!

Are you struggling to feel connected to an authentic and confidence sense of self? Do you often feel lonely, bored, or empty even though you have things in your life that should be bringing you fulfillment? Do you feel paralyzed by uncertainty or having to make decisions in your life? Maybe it seems that all areas of your life are being impacted by the internal chaos you are experiencing? I believe that happiness shouldn't be this hard, that there is a reason that you are struggling. Understanding the underlying reasons for your current symptoms, and the beliefs that formed them, can help you to make changes to your current life. I have 10+ yrs of experience as a trauma-informed expert in eating disorders and body image issues. I have extensive experience with a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, OCD, LGBTQIA+, infertility, trauma, grief, etc. I am certified in ERP for OCD and Lifespan Integration Therapy for Trauma. My approach is based primarily on CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy), DBT (dialectal behavioral therapy), and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy). I utilize attachment based theory to look at patterns and family dynamics from the past to better understand the present. "Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.” Dalai Lama

Hi! I’m Dr. Ruth Rayikanti, a Board-Certified Psychiatrist and the Founder of A Blank Canvas. My greatest passion is helping people find clarity, confidence, and deep inner peace so they can live life with intent, purpose and presence. I was raised in San Francisco and went to UC Davis for my undergraduate studies. After earning my medical degree at Ross University, I completed my psychiatry residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, followed by a year of specialized training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Kaiser Permanente. But beyond credentials, what truly defines my approach is that I take the time to listen to your story, understand your goals, and provide compassionate, evidence-based care tailored uniquely to you as a whole person. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with high-achieving individuals including students who are navigating life transitions, burnout, or feeling disconnected from themselves. Whether you’re managing ADHD, anxiety, depression, or simply seeking to connect with who you truly are, together we will explore solutions that create real, meaningful change in your life. Outside of my private practice, I founded A Blank Canvas, a wellness platform dedicated to mindfulness, inner peace, and peak performance. This space is designed to help individuals reconnect with themselves in a deeper way and realign with their purpose. I believe within each of us lies a blank canvas – a place of infinite potential waiting to be expressed. If you’re seeking a psychiatrist who sees you beyond your symptoms and will partner with you to create lasting transformation, I invite you to reach out. I look forward to connecting with you. Be well!

I was inspired to become a therapist by my experience working with adults with developmental disabilities. I found deep fulfillment in making a positive impact with the people in my community and wanted to make that the focus of my life. I offer a warm and kind presence that allows my clients to speak without judgment. My approach is highly focused on the underlying feelings that inform how we navigate life. Utilizing a balance between compassion and direct communication, my aim is to create an atmosphere that is kind and comforting while respecting the work we do and the need for honesty. I believe in the ideas of genuineness, empathetic understanding, and unconditional positive regard for my clients. My goal is to demonstrate acceptance for my clients from a holistic perspective that includes every aspect of who they are. Understanding all of the facets and intersecting identities that make up a person, allows me to support them at my best. I also wish to provide my clients with useful tools that can help them to be their best selves both within a relationship and individually.

Hello! I love working with college students and young adults. I am located within walking distance from Chapman University. If you are looking for a therapist with some sass who curses but also knows how to be nurturing, look no further. I consider myself a trauma therapist and I am certified in EMDR and trained in Internal Family Systems at the IFS Institute. I love learning and am often taking new trainings so I can support my clients better. I am very passionate about what I do. Recently, my focus has been on IFS and Polyvagal Theory. IFS is a type of therapy that helps us understand that we have different parts inside of us that conflict with one another at times. It is sort of similar to inner child work although that is a bit reductive. Polyvagal Theory is looking at what is happening in the body, namely the autonomic nervous system. I also really enjoy focusing on attachment and my thesis from when I was in grad school was on attachment.

As a couple and family therapist, I have a strong conviction in the healing power of healthy relationships.  Connecting to your authentic self and fostering wellness in all relationships in your life is a primary focus of my work.  I provide individual, couple and family psychotherapy for youth and adults of all family and relationship constellations. My holistic approach incorporates body, mind and spirit to help you create your full personal and relational potential.  In my practice, I utilize psychotherapy, EMDR, somatic awareness, meditation and mindfulness practices, movement, and other modalities to facilitate the growth and change you seek.  I would be honored to support you on your journey.

I’m inspired on a daily basis when I witness the transformative power therapy. I have a deep desire to help, and make a positive impact on the lives of others. It’s important for me to establish a safe and trusting environment where you feel heard, understood, respected, so we can foster a sense of collaboration to facilitate healing and positive change. I do this by meeting you where you currently are in your life and utilizing evidence-based approaches to therapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, plus Mindfulness, to process through anxiety, depression, relationship problems, life transitions, self-improvement, and career related stress. The therapeutic relationship is one of the most important things in therapy. I build trust and strength in the relationship through empathy and listening. I make a great effort to get an understanding of your personal story and how it may be currently impacting you, while being supportive and validating.

I am a highly skilled Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC, LPCC) with a strong academic foundation and over 13 years of professional experience. With a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology, I bring a deep understanding of human behaviors and emotions to my practice. My therapeutic approach is characterized by my commitment to working from a relational lens, fostering genuine connections to facilitate healing and growth. As a therapist with over a decade of experience, I have honed my expertise in helping individuals such as yourself, navigate life's challenges and complexities. My approach to therapy is rooted in relational therapy, which focuses on the therapeutic relationship itself as a catalyst for change. By creating a safe and empathetic environment, I enable my clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors within the context of their relationships, both past and present. With a deep appreciation for the diverse backgrounds and unique stories of my clients, I tailor therapeutic interventions to address each individual's specific needs and goals. My warm and collaborative demeanor cultivates a therapeutic partnership that promotes self-discovery and personal transformation.

Welcome. I am Dr. Christiane Speed. I am a licensed psychologist in CA and NC. I have been practicing for over 12 years and possess extensive experience working with college and university students both in CA and NC. I enjoy helping students regain a sense of control and empowerment over their life struggles so that they can engage and enjoy life more fully and create a healthier academic and personal life balance. A major part of therapy involves helping students adapt to student life, balance school and personal life. Students come to see for help with how to communicate effectively in relationships, and to learn practical coping skills for stress and time management. We work on identifying and managing procrastination, increasing motivation and goal directed activities and setting very clear, realistic, achievable goals and having a growth mindset. Other areas of work might include managing and resolving interpersonal problems, setting healthy emotional, physical and personal boundaries, improving family, friendship and romantic relationships and overall functioning. My areas of specialty include anxiety (including generalized anxiety disorder, health anxiety, imposter syndrome, OCD, social anxiety, specific phobia), complex stress and life struggles, depression , grief and loss. I take a flexible and individualized approach to treatment and integrate effective techniques from different approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness and Solution-Focused Therapy. To gain a more holistic understanding, treatment also addresses how cultural, family, medical, physical, social, societal and spiritual factors interact with each client's unique life struggles. My main focus is getting to know each of my client's unique life experiences, difficulties and needs so that I can tailor therapy to best suit what will work best for that client. If you feel that we would be a good fit working together, please contact me to schedule an appointment. I look forward to the potential of working with you.