Therapists for college students near UCLA

I was inspired to be a therapist because of my own experience in therapy. I saw the benefits from my own sessions and worked with my therapist to work towards my goal of getting into graduate school. Now I want to help people the same way my first therapist helped me find what I was passionate in and also help those who might also feel stuck too. My style is one of collaboration and brainstorming together to figure out what solutions will help your unique situation. I always respect that you’re the expert of your life and I am here to help you figure out what clicks. I treat my therapy sessions as a casual conversation space and I use humor and analogies to get my examples and points across. Also as a video game enjoyer I use a lot of examples from that area of my life in creative ways to help emphasize or get certain points across in a different way. I’m a huge nerd so I love all things related to gaming, anime, superheroes, Dungeons and Dragons and card games. I’m a big enjoyer of fantasy and Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings is one of my favorite series that got me hooked into that genre. Currently enjoying Frieren and slowly finishing season 2.

Hello and Welcome! Are you a couple needing to strengthen communication, navigate conflict effectively, and break free from long‑standing gridlock? I’m Rocio Vaca, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 17 years of experience, and I help you deepen friendship, build emotional intimacy, and create shared meaning. Are you exploring your identity, preparing to come out, struggling with self‑acceptance, or navigating gender‑affirming care? Together, we can build healthy coping strategies, strengthen resilience, and address symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress while supporting a stronger sense of self. I help clients find relief from overwhelming thoughts, emotional exhaustion, & daily stress by identifying triggers, emotional regulation, & building coping skills. I also support children/ teens with OCD, trauma, low self‑esteem, & assertiveness challenges often from being bullied, helping them understand emotions/cognitions, build confidence & boundaries. I view therapy as a collaborative and individualized process—one that builds practical skills while fostering insight, emotional healing, and growth. Clients often describe my style as warm, grounded, and down‑to‑earth, creating a space where they feel supported, understood, and empowered throughout their therapeutic journey.

I am a bilingual licensed Marriage and Family therapist. I am dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges and build stronger, more resilient relationships. With a warm and non-judgmental approach, I create a safe space for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I believe in empowering individuals to achieve independence, confidence, and success in their daily lives. Through my education and work experience, I personalize and create interventions with the collaboration of the client.

I love being able to combine my passions for helping others, creativity, and understanding why people think, feel, and behave as they do! I believe therapy should be a collaborative relationship where we are working together on an issue, rather than me being The Expert. Instead, you are the expert on what it is like to be you in your life. I may share my perspective on what I believe may be going on and ask you to reflect on its accuracy and relevance to your experience. I take my job in the helping profession seriously. Consistent studies on why psychotherapy works indicate that the therapeutic relationship is the most important variable determining therapeutic outcomes. I relate to you as a regular person with education, training, and experience that I am eager to share with you to help you feel safe and understood. I occasionally will share relevant experiences either from past anonymous clients or from personal experience to normalize, validate, and help you feel that you are not alone in your pain.

College is a time of tremendous growth, but it can also bring stress, uncertainty, and pressure from many directions. Balancing academics, relationships, family expectations, cultural identity, and planning for the future can feel overwhelming—especially if you're a first-generation, international, or multicultural student trying to navigate different worlds. Therapy offers a space that's truly yours, where you don't have to meet anyone else's expectations or have everything figured out. Together, we'll explore what's weighing on you, gain insight into the patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and develop practical tools to help you manage life's challenges with greater confidence and self-compassion. My goal is to help you reconnect with your authentic self, build resilience, and create a life that feels aligned with your own values rather than the expectations of others.

Greetings! I'm a dedicated and empathetic Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a rich background spanning over two decades in the healthcare industry. My passion for mental health and well-being has been the driving force behind my extensive career. I've honed my skills to provide comprehensive and personalized care to individuals seeking support. I earned my advanced degree to address better the nuanced needs of those grappling with mental health challenges. My qualifications and commitment to ongoing professional development ensure that I stay abreast of the latest advancements in psychiatric care. I completely understand the struggles of those advancing their profession and, at times, battling mental health. Please Know, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

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!

Are you struggling and wanting to find help? I’m here to support you on your journey to feeling better. Are you finding yourself more anxious, depressed, having a low mood, or frustrated with reality? Through the exploration of current and past experiences and relationships, I can help you heal your personal struggles and improve your sense of strength in your inner self and find meaning in your life. My goal is to provide the highest quality psychotherapy in an atmosphere of safety and trust to help you live a satisfying and happy life. My specialties include ISTDP (Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy) and Brainspotting. These modalities assist the client in uncovering the blocks to their full potential by focusing on the brain and body towards the most efficient healing. I enjoy working with individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and stress in their careers and relationships. I have expertise working with engineers, medical professionals, first responders, essential workers, therapists, and educators.

I help teens and young adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, stress management, self-criticism/perfectionism, and improving communication and relationships. I apply multiple techniques including CBT and mindfulness practices.

Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or like something just isn’t right inside—even if you can’t explain why? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. I’m a trauma therapist who understands what it’s like to feel broken, lost, or stuck after going through tough experiences—whether that’s childhood trauma, bullying, abuse, or just the weight of everyday pressure and expectations. I’ve been there myself, and I know healing is absolutely possible. If you’re struggling with anxiety, anger, depression, PTSD, or even feeling disconnected from who you really are, I offer a safe space to unpack what’s going on—and begin to heal. I specialize in helping students like you who are trying to balance life, emotions, school, relationships, and maybe even past pain that hasn’t been fully processed yet. My approach is focused on helping you get results, not just vent. We’ll explore what matters to you—your values, goals, strengths—and figure out how to start building the life you want. I also offer energy healing and spiritual guidance if you’re open to deeper, more holistic support (but only if that resonates with you—this space is always about you, not my agenda). If you’re ready to feel supported, heard, and guided toward real change, I’m here. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to take that first step.

Yes! You made it, and how amazing would it be to define your pace by recognizing your struggles while still striving to succeed. I’m here to assist you in building unshakable strength by identifying emotional triggers, keeping track of cognitive distortions and processing past disturbing memories. Through the therapy process you’ll be able to improve resilience by acknowledging that progress is quiet, rest is productive, and your story is yours. I apply different modalities to nurture harmonious passion and motivate you to gain access to effective accommodations as needed for your ultimate progress.

I'm so glad you're here! I’m a clinical therapist in California, where I help women like you cultivate confidence and become the best version of yourself. I primarily work with young women who are struggling with: overwhelming worry, sadness, people pleasing, feeling unlovable or like you're not enough, the pattern of being attracted to emotionally unavailable people, or challenges related to relationships or family. I also have specialized clinical training in treating complex trauma, grief or loss, and sexual abuse. In our initial sessions, you can expect a warm, supportive exploration of your story, where we’ll build trust and collaborate on a healing plan that's tailored to your particular needs and goals. By combining evidence-based therapy practices with creativity, intuition, and a little humor, we'll shift the patterns holding you back so you can experience the kind of life and relationships you've always dreamed about. I know it can be a challenging process to find a new therapist, but I am here to support you and make it as easy as possible. You can reach out today for a free 15-minute consultation by emailing me or clicking on my website link to schedule. If for any reason I'm not the right fit for you, I'll help you find someone wonderful who is because I want you to receive the best possible care.

Today you are one step closer to a new you where you feel empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being. As a solution-focused therapist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals. Please call or email me for an individual therapy consultation today. I work with clients through telemedicine using video visits and phone calls.

I am a child, adolescent, adult, and Forensic Psychiatrist with 10 years of post-graduate training in various environments. I have been working in the outpatient-sector for 7 years. I am inspired by knowing that mental wellness is possible and seeing that progress with my patients. I love being a part of a patient’s support network to attain long-lasting mental stability. I use a biopsychosocial approach to review all aspects of life that can impact progress to mental wellness.

My biggest inspiration was my grandmother who thought me to help, love and inspire others unconditionally. My children and friends continued to inspire me to use my grandmother’s wisdom to empower others by being present in the time of need as well as celebrating their accomplishments. My goal as a therapist is to work with you as a partner throughout your healing process. At the end of each session, we will review what was discussed and create a plan that will help you meet your goal. You can reach me by phone in case you feel stuck or need assistance. At the beginning of treatment and each session, I will actively listen to your needs, feelings or stressors that might have contributed to you seeking help. We will develop a plan that will empower you to meet your needs, help manage your emotions and teach you coping strategies to help manage stressors.

I have been in practice over 25 years. I particularly specialize in helping young adults transition into adulthood. I understand the added stressors of this period of time including moving away from home, individuating and understanding oneself, figuring out goals for the future, and navigating personal relationships. I see problems from a family and systemic perspective in order to help create dynamic change. I work to help clients expand their understanding of themselves and discover opportunities for growth and change, often in the context of their relationships and families. I focus on helping clients change destructive relationship patterns, choose healthier lifestyles, and engage in fulfilling relationships. In addition to my educational and clinical experience, I have travelled extensively and have incorporated my knowledge of different cultures into my work as well. I believe in understanding and respecting a client’s individual and cultural diversity in all aspects of the clinical relationship.

I strive to foster personal growth and understanding in order to heal from past wounds and resolve current psychological distress. I do this by providing a safe and non-judgmental space where people of all different backgrounds can feel comfortable sharing their struggles. It is a privilege to walk alongside you during difficult times and see you overcome your current obstacles. I seek understanding of your experience through questions, exploration, and taking on a learner’s perspective. Although I am well versed in mental health disorders and treatment, I see you as the expert of yourself. This is your life and your story. I want to collaborate with you to find the best solutions for you. I will offer tools, strategies, and skills. Most importantly, I offer a place for you to be heard and understood. Together we will learn what works best for you. My goal is for you to leave therapy feeling confident in trusting yourself and your ability to handle what life presents.

College is often a time of growth, transition, pressure, and uncertainty — and at times, it can feel overwhelming trying to manage everything on your plate. Trying to balance school, relationships, family expectations, work, social life, and your own mental health can feel like a lot. You may be feeling more anxious than usual, struggling in relationships, finding it harder to stay motivated, or feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of yourself. Maybe things don’t feel as okay as they look from the outside. Sometimes having a space to talk openly and make sense of what you’re feeling can make a meaningful difference. Therapy can offer a space to slow down and reconnect with yourself. At Lumenate, we offer a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can better understand what you’re experiencing and feel supported in the process. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, identity questions, stress, or life transitions, therapy can help you feel more grounded, connected, and confident in yourself and your relationships.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hi I'm Ariel, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I work with young adults struggling with relationship issues, perfectionism, body image, and trauma. I have a background in EMDR in order to support the processing of past trauma and aide in your recovery from past events. Take a look at my website and reach out to schedule a free 15 minute consult! Looking forward to hearing from you!