Therapists for college students near Los Angeles, CA

If you are struggling with adjusting to college life, anxiety, depression, or difficult emotions, I can help. My style is warm, engaging, and open. I will create a safe place for you to explore yourself, heal, and get guidance. I specialize in building a healthy relationship with yourself first and foremost, and also with people around you. I welcome people of all backgrounds and cultures to my practice. I use Internal Family Systems (IFS) and other mindfulness-based, experiential, emotion-focused approaches that will help you cultivate self-compassion and acceptance. I look forward to talking with you!

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!

I’ve always cared deeply about people, especially those who feel misunderstood or overlooked. Growing up, I saw how much it meant when someone took the time to listen without judgment. That stuck with me. Over time, I realized I wanted to be that kind of support for others, someone who helps people feel safe, heard, and valued. Becoming a therapist felt like the most natural path for me, and it’s a privilege to walk alongside people as they navigate life’s challenges and reconnect with their inner strength. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe and free to be yourself. I’ll listen not just to what you say, but also to the feelings and experiences behind your words. I want to understand what truly matters to you, and I’ll check in often to make sure I’m hearing you the way you want to be heard. This space is yours, as we work through what’s most meaningful to you. Building trust is a process that occurs over time, and I view it as a two-way interaction. In our work together, I’ll show up consistently, be honest with you, and create a space where you can speak freely without fear of being judged. I’ll go at your pace, and we’ll talk about what feels helpful to you. I’ll also ensure our work feels safe and supportive. I want you to feel heard, respected, and genuinely understood as we work together toward your therapy goals.

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.

I love to watch the process of personal growth and transformation, knowing that my support supplements the hard work clients put into being the best version of themselves that they can be. I learn from my clients while they learn from me, and I am honored to enter into clients’ unique worlds. I hope to impact my clients by providing them the compassion and nonjudgmental presence that they deserve, along with the coping skills and insight that will help them face future challenges with strength and wisdom. My therapeutic inspiration comes from a variety of perspectives and sources: Aaron Beck (cognitive-behavioral therapy), Susan Johnson (Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapy), Carl Jung (classic analysis), Daniel Siegel (neurological growth and attachment), Gabor Mate (trauma, addiction, and attachment), and Murray Bowen (family systems theory). This list will continue to grow as I do- like yours, my journey and growth is a work in progress. I enjoy working with clients in emerging adulthood (approximately age 16 to 26). This is an exciting period of life, where identity is solidified and major life decisions are made (education, career, relationships). Another population I have had a lot of success with is adult survivors of childhood abuse and neglect, as I use a trauma-informed approach. I am open and respectful of various religious and spiritual communities, understanding that this may be a source of strength and identity for a client, or a source of tension and pain as a client questions their faith background. Previously, I provided therapy at a non-profit agency in the San Fernando Valley of Southern California, where I had the honor of walking alongside at-risk youth and their families on paths toward functional and adaptive mental and relational health. I also have experience in various school-based settings, where I provided frequent on-campus crisis management as well as on-going counseling services as part of students’ Individualized Education Plans. Gaining a deeper understanding of youth and the struggles they face gave me a richer and more holistic view of the adults they become.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) degree from the University of Massachusetts Global. I have experience working with adolescents and adults in multiple settings facing various complex mental health issues, including OCD, depression, anxiety, ADHD and mood disorders.

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My inspiration to work in the mental health field is to meet the individuals I serve where they are at in their mental health journey. My drive is to provide understanding, empathy, and knowledge to the individuals I work with and to empower them to improve their quality of life. I hope to impact those I serve in a positive way, help them find their strengths, talents and learn to love themselves. Before I was a therapist, I was a certified nurse assistant. As a certified nurse assistant, I saw many of my clients in their most vulnerable state, and alone. I came to find out through my experience that even though I helped my clients with their daily activities, the most important aspect of my job was listening to my clients with an empathetic ear and being by their side during their hardest times. Once I realized I made more of a difference by just listening to my client’s feelings and being there for them, I realized my purpose was to become a therapist. I enjoy building trust and a strong therapeutic alliance with my clients by meeting the client where they are at in their recovery, by utilizing humor and providing a safe and empathic environment for clients to share. The methods, approaches and philosophies I use in treatment to build trust with clients are motivational interviewing, crisis interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused-based therapy, narrative therapy, role-play therapy, strength-based approach, behavioral theory, system theory, empowerment theory, and social theory. I have had the honor to build trust and work with all ages, 0-99 years old. I enjoy working with all people from all backgrounds. I have a background working with children and teens in the foster care system, aging adults in skilled nursing home facilities, individuals in mental health stabilization care, and in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. I am someone who truly values life and believes in making the most of every opportunity to grow and learn. I enjoy learning new things and continuously expanding my knowledge, both personally and professionally. Staying active in my community is very important to me, especially when it comes to advocating for and supporting the people I serve. I take pride in being involved, listening to others’ needs, and working to help create positive change. My passion for helping others, combined with my love for learning and community involvement, motivates me to continue growing and making a meaningful impact wherever I can.

College can feel overwhelming. You’re juggling classes, work, relationships, and the pressure to have everything figured out. Maybe things look fine on the surface, but inside you feel stuck, anxious, or like something is missing. You want to feel more connected to yourself and to life, but it can be hard to know where to start. I work with students who are sensitive, curious, and deeply reflective. Many feel dismissed or misunderstood by traditional counseling services, and some are navigating neurodivergence, unconventional identities, or chronic health challenges. This is a space to explore your emotions, patterns, and experiences without judgment. My approach is grounded, trauma-aware, and holistic. We focus on what is happening in your body, your nervous system, and your inner life. Together, we create space for you to step out of old habits, hear your intuition, and reconnect with the parts of yourself that are ready to be seen and understood. If you feel like something is off or that life could feel more meaningful, this is a place to explore that safely, honestly, and deeply.

Seeing clients overcome their struggles and/or building further insights about themselves, inspires my drive to work in mental health care. I enjoy seeing the progress of clients and their resiliency throughout their treatment. During sessions, I use active listening skills to ensure that clients feel heard. I also continuously reflect back to clients to ensure they are being understood. If needed, I will ask for clarification to ensure I obtain accurate information given that it can play an important role in their treatment. I am transparent with clients about the structure of treatment. I provide the space for clients to share their interests and information about themselves. I also provide clients with time to share delicate information to respect their need for comfort throughout their treatment.

My main inspiration for becoming a therapist is to help people, from all walks of life. I have been working in the fields of substance abuse and mental health since 2006, and specialize in treating clients with Co-Occurring Disorders. Prior to entering the MSW program at San Jose State University, I studied Sociology at UC Santa Cruz, and received my BA degree in 2005. I have a solid background in social theory, and I apply social theory as part of my clinical approach, thus enhancing the therapeutic process. I am continuously working towards my ongoing professional development to help my clients using cutting-edge techniques. Therapy is more than a career, it is a passion and it is my life’s work. My empathetic approach, in which I actively listen to clients and reflect their goals, values, and struggles, fosters understanding and clarity. If I were to summarize what it is like to work with me, I would say “collaborative.” am committed to collaborative relationships with clients to maximize their capacity for growth and their ability to become resilient-to the many speed bumps and potholes along life’s path.”

I’m drawn to helping people navigate difficult life transitions and supporting them in developing self-compassion and learning to validate their own experiences. I find it meaningful to walk alongside clients as they make sense of challenges and grow through them. I use humor and metaphors to explore complex or heavy topics in a way that feels more approachable and less overwhelming. I love helping clients find practical tools and unique solutions they can apply in their everyday lives, so they feel more empowered in managing their struggles and creating change. I approach the therapeutic relationship collaboratively and making sure we stay focused on what matters most to you. I’ll regularly check in and invite your feedback so we can adjust along the way and make sure your needs are being met. I utilize active listening, paying close attention to both what you’re saying and how you’re experiencing things. I may reflect things back or ask questions to better understand your perspective. My goal is for you to feel genuinely heard, respected, and supported throughout the process. At the beginning, we’ll talk about what brings you in and what you’re hoping to get out of therapy, and we’ll work together to set goals that feel meaningful to you. I’ll also explain how I work so everything feels clear and collaborative. Building trust is really important to me, so I focus on creating a safe, welcoming space that’s free of judgment and shame. I follow your lead and respect your pace, especially when we’re exploring more difficult topics. I also bring in humor, creativity, and metaphors to make the process feel more engaging and approachable. Over time, consistency, open communication, and mutual respect help us build a strong therapeutic relationship where you feel safe, supported, and empowered. I enjoy bringing a light-hearted demeanor into the therapy space. Therapy is serious work, but I find that humor helps bolster resilience and promote connection. By being able to notice and appreciate small, light moments we can more easily tackle the big ones.

Hi, this is Michael Courter, founder of Free At Heart Online Therapy. I personally am exceptionally happy with and humbled by the skill, warmth and intuition of these therapists and I’m sure we have a clinician perfect for you. Combined with highly technical training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and many other treatments, these therapists are capable of having a remarkably positive impact in the lives of their clients and in our community. Like my fellow therapists at Free At Heart Online Therapy, I continue to research and study the most impactful psychological theories available. It is this focus on our continuing studies and comprehensive training that allows our therapy clinic to offer exceptional and varied mental health services. In addition to offering full scope DBT, we are pleased to offer Internal Family Systems Therapy, where the goal is to permanently heal your trauma and completely transform your mental health symptoms. ​ So in the spirit of healing, I would like to officially welcome and invite you to participate with Free At Heart Online Therapy and/or refer those persons in your life that would benefit from a friendly, supportive, creative, consistent, and non-judgemental ear. Kind Regards, - Michael Courter

https://www.ciis.edu/ciis-in-the-world/counseling-clinics/church-street-integral-counseling-center Church Street ICC offers low-fee counseling in many languages for adults, couples, families, seniors, adolescents, and children from across the San Francisco Bay Area. The sliding-fee scale is structured to accommodate people of all income levels and life situations. The caring, professional therapists at Church Street Integral Counseling Center take an integral approach to healing that connects the mind, body, and spirit, and honors the uniqueness of each person. Church Street is the country's only university-affiliated Gestalt/existential therapy center. Therapists are trained to focus on themes of difference and inclusion, offer a social justice perspective, and stress the importance of choice and awareness.

SDTC provides a welcoming and supportive environment for treatment. Our goal is to provide counseling and neurofeedback options for mental health treatment that have been shown to reduce problematic symptoms that have resulted from the trauma and life stressors so that you can live a life free from fear and worry. San Diego Therapy Center is a local Non-Profit in San Diego with a strong mission to help our community.

We provide therapy for children, teens, and adults in San Diego, CA. We specialize in Anxiety and ADHD and treat a wide range of issues including stress management, depression, grief/loss, LGBTQ+ and relational issues. Please view our website and providers' pages for more information.

Hi there, I’m Dr. Andy Nguyen. I tend to see the overworked and overwhelmed. Maybe you reached the top of the mountain only to ask, now what? An adamant voice says there is no life worth leading unless you are exceptional. Or you manage things on the surface seamlessly only to feel empty behind closed doors. It would make so much sense. Our environment has demanded more in recent times—be more, do more, have more—all at once. It is not by chance we exist in the age of superheroes and social media. There are bigger shoes for us to grow into yet not enough room to play or tend to the inner person. I offer intensive, relational psychotherapy as a form of a reset—what does that mean? We absorb so much in our environment that it becomes difficult to decipher what is ours and what belongs to those tasked to take care of us. We learned ways to survive that have become rote without our conscious awareness—most of us are even rewarded for it. Perhaps these no longer serve us. My job is to uncover these patterns and gently make room for experiences that bring more inner life. Naturally, this expands into fuller work, school, and relationships. This can take place in one-on-one therapy or a group format in real-time. I am a transplant who immigrated from Southeast Asia at a young age. My story offers me a unique sensibility in making contact with adolescents and adults when their world is in upheaval, no matter how universal. I invite folks from various spectrums and backgrounds who do not feel reflected nor understood in our mainstream collective to reach out and have an initial meeting. My style is adaptive. I am oftentimes honest yet reassuring with kindness and a sense of humor.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing psychotherapy in the state of California. I work with individuals and couples of all ages who are experiencing anxiety, depression, peer/interpersonal relationship conflicts, bullying, life transitions, low self-esteem, burnout, insomnia, anger, panic attacks, and stress management. My therapeutic approach is client centered, strength-based, and solutions focused. I strive to create an environment where you feel supported, safe, and free of judgment. My goal is to provide you with the tools to enhance your quality of life and feel more confident with navigating life's presenting challenges. My promise as a therapist is to be with you every step of the way. I look forward to meeting you!

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I have been a therapist for 18 yrs, working with individuals of all ages. I am informal, friendly, youthful, approachable and use different approaches and theories. How I approach a session is adapted to the individual: their needs, personality, and presenting issue. I see you as having your own wisdom while I also recognize that clients come to therapy to receive guidance, direction, and insights. I share with you my awareness, intuitions, and hunches but also invite you to see what fits for you. My therapy sessions with you are a place for you to share, to feel understood & be heard. I also regard humor as having a place in therapy. I have worked with various diagnosis and issues including depression, anxiety, bipolar, relationship problems etc. If you have any questions, prior to scheduling, I would be happy to answer them. (My website lists all insurance accepted. Please note I have additional availability. Please contact me for further information & appointment scheduling.)