Therapists for college students near UCLA
As a clinician with a decade of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a doctorate in clinical psychology, I bring a thoughtful, integrative, and person-centered approach to therapy. My work is grounded in a humanistic theoretical orientation, and I approach each therapeutic relationship with warmth, respect, and curiosity. I strive to create a space where clients feel genuinely heard and supported in making sense of their experiences, in their own words. While I prioritize a person-centered lens, I also draw from evidence-based practices such as CBT, DBT, and ACT, tailoring treatment to meet each client’s unique needs. I am deeply committed to multicultural awareness, equity, and advocacy in clinical practice. I have extensive experience working with individuals who are BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S, and first-gen. My approach is affirming, identity-conscious, and culturally responsive, with an emphasis on honoring the complexity and intersectionality of each client’s lived experience. In addition to English, I am fluent in Mandarin and Shanghainese, and I welcome clients who may benefit from therapy in their native language. It is an honor and a privilege to support individuals in navigating life transitions, identity development, and emotional well-being with care, openness, and collaboration. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
I'm Zack, a clinical therapist specializing in evidence-based treatment for children, teens, and adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders: social anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic attacks, specific phobias (fear of heights, flying, animals, etc.), body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs): hair pulling, skin picking, nail/lip/cheek biting, & attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). I earned my master's degree in social work from Widener University and my bachelor's degree in psychology from Pennsylvania State University. Outside of my practice, I enjoy spending time with family, golfing, playing video games, and following my favorite sports teams. Over the past decade, I’ve worked within various healthcare systems, specializing in OCD, anxiety-related conditions, BFRBs, ADHD, and depression. I am certified in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) through The Beck Institute, a rigorous process involving many hours of training and consultation with clinical psychologists specializing in CBT. I am certified in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and have received extensive training and consultation through the University of Pennsylvania Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety (CTSA). I am a member of the International Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Foundation (IOCDF). I have also received specialized training in Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) Treatment, Habit Reversal Training (HRT), & Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I have held leadership roles including Director, Manager, and Supervisor of Behavioral Health across multiple healthcare systems. These experiences have provided me with a deep understanding of workplace stress and burnout, making me especially attuned to the needs of professionals navigating high-demand environments. In addition to my private practice, I work as a Behavioral Health Clinician in the Emergency Room at Main Line Health System, providing psychiatric crisis assessments and support to individuals and families during some of their most vulnerable moments. I also teach CBT to physician residents within the Psychiatry Program, sharing evidence-based strategies to support mental health care in various settings.
Does the challenges of being a student have you feeling stressed, alone, or confused? Are you unsure about how you even got to this place? Would you like a secure and confidential way to sort out how to balance your home, school, and personal life? I am an African American woman, mother, and former military spouse from a multicultural household. I have witnessed the stressors that outside issues have on, students, families, couples, and individuals. My approach to therapy is Collaborative, Client-Centered, and Narrative. I work alongside my clients to find solutions and alternative ways of looking at the problems that are coming up in their lives. Using both Collaborative and Narrative Therapy frameworks, allows me to view my clients separate from their problems– instead focusing on their values, strengths, skill sets, and resources. Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. I want to acknowledge the bravery it takes to make the first step to sorting out life’s stressors and challenges. If you choose me, I look forward to building an honest, trusting, and helpful relationship with you that honors your preferences.
We live in a culture that constantly pushes us to do more, work harder, and question whether we’re ever “enough.” For many students, that pressure leads to stress, anxiety, and burnout. But thriving isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about finding balance, clarity, and a stronger sense of who you are and what you need. This work often extends into your relationships, your identity, and your sense of direction. I offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can slow down, explore what’s weighing on you, and develop a more grounded, sustainable way forward.
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
Deep within, I believe everyone holds the keys to a life of profound meaning and joy. By discerning their dreams and charting their personal journeys, my clients unlock doors to lives they cherish all the more. In the wise words of Carl Jung, 'Man's task is to become conscious of the contents that press upward from the unconscious.
You and your life isn’t one note. You are multifaceted and the demands you face happen to be as well – particularly when you are a student. Currently, the sound-track of your life has moved away from the sounds of a harmonious symphony -or maybe from an upbeat pop song- to something more unnerving and stressful (like the alarm you use to wake up to in the morning or the background music in a horror film—building tension, bracing yourself from some known or unknown threat). It makes sense that life has been overwhelming -increased responsibilities and life demands alone would contribute to this feeling. Add fears about the future, a recent breakup, challenging relationship dynamics with family, and/or other stressors and you might find yourself tipping the scales of your emotional bandwidth. I help students focus on the unique aspects of their lives that are no longer serving them – with empathy, tools, problem-solving, and emotional healing and growth. I believe you can have a richer and higher-quality of life– free from the overwhelming influence of your current life demands, harmful past experiences, poor modeling, and environmental toxicities (psychological). Call me to schedule an initial consultation (415) 356-9897 or fill out contact form https://www.alexandrialeedy.com/take-action.
I help people who struggle with anxiety, trauma, grief, overwhelm, and creative blocks. An additional focus of my practice is around issues related to immigration, bicultural identity, and racial and ethnic identity. In particular, I specialize in working with college and university students, highly sensitive people (HSPs), and creatives and artists. The process of finding the right therapist isn't easy, and it's a brave choice to embark on the journey towards healing, insight, and growth. A relationship with the right therapist can be life-changing. Feeling deeply heard and able to trust your therapist is essential. I believe that an empathic and attuned relationship between the therapist and patient is vital for lasting change, and that attention to the social, cultural, and political context in which you live is important for treatment. Together, we can understand the patterns that contribute to your current distress and gently shift to new ways of relating to yourself and others. It is courageous to take steps in your search for the right therapist. Have a look here and on my website to learn more about me. If it feels like we may be a good match, please contact me to set up an initial consultation call.
I feel inspired to help individuals figure out how to manage challenges they are are facing and learn new skills to manage changes that are occurring so that they can feel more in control of their lives. I use a person centered approach to make sure that my clients feel understood, heard, and validated. I make sure to create a safe space for individuals so that they feel secure in opening up and working on issues that they are struggling with. I build a strong and therapeutic alliance with my clients through open and honest communication and creating a safe space for clients to share and explore their challenges and struggles.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 18 years of psychiatric clinical experience. Throughout my career, I have worked across a wide variety of diagnoses and clinical settings, from inpatient and residential programs to outpatient and telehealth care, treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, ADHD, and substance use disorders, among others. I strive to create a safe, collaborative space where individuals feel understood, respected, and supported in their care. My path to psychiatry began as a nurse in psychiatric settings, where I quickly realized how deeply mental health touches every part of a person’s life. Spending over a decade caring for Veterans, many carrying invisible wounds of trauma, PTSD, and substance use, deepened my commitment to this work and ultimately inspired me to pursue advanced practice because I wanted to do more: to sit with patients, understand the full picture, and be a consistent, trusted presence in their healing journey. My approach is collaborative, evidence-based, and grounded in the belief that you are the expert on your own life. Together, we will explore your symptoms, history, and goals to build a treatment plan that feels right for you, whether that involves medication, psychoeducation, supportive therapy, or a combination of approaches. I prioritize taking time to explain medication options clearly, check in on how you are responding, and adjust our plan as your needs evolve, so you always feel informed, respected, and in the driver’s seat of your care. I love spending time with my family and our pets, who never fail to bring much-needed joy and laughter to the day. I also have a passion for travel and how it opens my eyes to new cultures, perspectives, and ways of living which is something that quietly informs how I care for each unique person I work with. I believe that full, connected lives outside the office matter deeply to mental wellness, and I try to bring that same appreciation for balance and joy into my work with patients.
Hi, my name is Callihan but I go by Calli for short! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I provide compassionate and individualized counseling that instills hope and encourages clients to be their best selves. I'm passionate about helping you achieve your goals and become your best you!
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.
I became a therapist because I genuinely love people. I believe we could all use a little help sometimes. We humans are complex and unique individuals with a wide range of emotions, and vast experiences that have, & continue to, shape us. My goal is to create a space conducive to safety, growth and acceptance. I support you, and am rooting for you! I believe collaboration is key in our work together, and that you are the expert on you. I create individualized treatment plans and curate interventions based on your likes and experiences. I will never force you to do, or talk about anything you don’t want to. I understand therapy can be an intimidating process, so I am happy to move at your pace. With that being said, I know how beneficial it can be to move outside of our comfort zones – so it is a part of my role to encourage you to do so. But as you confront any difficult emotions/experiences/new skills, I will be right there with you. I’m here for you. The therapeutic relationship is a unique and special one. I believe in being honest and authentic with you – as well as offering compassion and empathy. I like to tie in your likes and interests into treatment in order to make difficult concepts easy to understand and approach. I know what a difference it can make to feel heard and understood. I can provide a listening ear, paired with professional expertise in order to help you feel validated, and learn to understand & help yourself better. Just like you, I’m a human too. Although I can’t know exactly what you are feeling or dealing with, I do know what it’s like to feel angry, alone, discouraged, anxious or misunderstood. When life gets me down, I find peace through various ways, including – connecting with nature, hugging my cat, coloring, or watching one of my favorite movies.
Hi, I’m Mojdeh. I am an Iranian-American therapist and a child of immigrant parents. I witnessed my parents experiencing their feelings of grief as they lived far from family, friends, and their native country. As a bicultural kid, I faced challenges integrating both of my cultures and experienced racism as I navigated the world. As an Iranian woman, I deeply understand the experience of not being seen, heard, or included. I am aware of the under-representation of BIPOC clients and therapists in the therapy room. This has led me to want to connect with clients who have been historically oppressed. In our work together, we can begin the process of examining systemic issues, advocating for social change and healing ancestral & intergenerational trauma.
Having trained at the University of Notre Dame (Ph.D., M.A.), UC Berkeley (APA-accredited internship) and Stanford (post-doctoral fellowship), I bring rigorous scientific expertise into my clinical work with college students. In fact, I worked at the University Counseling Centers at all three of these schools and have continued to develop a specialized private practice that focuses almost exclusively on college students. I also teach for Pepperdine University in their Graduate School of Education & Psychology. I help clients with a range of concerns including: anxiety, depression, career and academic concerns, ADHD, relationship concerns (situationships, am I right? :) ), body image and eating disorders, perfectionism, college/life transitions, as well as family of origin challenges (let's say it together, boundaries...). I often work with high-achieving students who often are managing academically but struggling internally. My clients often put others first and themselves last. By the time they come to therapy, concerns have been going on for some time and they've reached a breaking point. They may feel they "should" be able to handle things on their own. As a recovering perfectionist and someone who was riddled with anxiety throughout college, I get it. It wasn't until my own training in CBT that I learned how destructive such thought patterns were. It inspired my clinical approach, as well as three clinical workbooks I've published on Solution-Focused Therapy, CBT, and Positive Psychology with the top mental health publishers. Many of my clients who have been to therapy before often remark how "easy" I make the process. We laugh, we learn, and talk like old friends. Therapy doesn't have to be stuffy or stressful. It's about feeling respected, validated and heard. Learning to take care of yourself, set appropriate boundaries, and thrive! I'd LOVE to work with you! Please feel free to book a complimentary 15 minute consultation at my website below so we can connect!
Nobody teaches you how to fight fair, ask for what you need, or love someone without losing yourself. Estes Therapy does. Founded by licensed marriage and family therapist Jennine Estes Powell, our practice helps young adults build healthier patterns before the hard stuff becomes the default. Whether you are navigating your first serious relationship, processing attachment wounds from home, or just trying to understand why you keep ending up in the same situations, we have therapists who get it and know how to help.
Do you sometimes feel stressed, exhausted, unfulfilled, or disconnected? When triggered do you shut down, have unexpected emotions, or dissociate? Do you work hard to please others and be successful, but no matter what you do, it never feels like you are good enough? Therapy may be able to help you learn new coping skills, decrease painful emotions and negative thoughts about yourself related to past events, and become more resilient. My Background and Approach: I strive to create a safe, supportive space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings while also practicing new coping or communication skills (including how to set boundaries). With a doctorate in depth psychology and training in EMDR, an evidence-based trauma therapy, I specialize in helping adults and adolescents work towards healing and growth. We can collaborate to explore the larger picture of what is bringing you to therapy and set goals. In order to help you feel safe and supported, we can balance talking about difficult topics with learning and practicing coping skills. We can explore your strengths while addressing the patterns you want to change. By exchanging feedback regularly, we can evaluate our progress and grow together. My Personal Beliefs and Interests: One of the reasons I became a therapist is because of my own recovery, which has allowed me to find joy and a sense of meaning and purpose in life. When I’m not parenting my two children or working, I enjoy reading, creative writing, and being outside. I make an effort to do something that brings me joy every day- even if it’s just by searching the night sky for the moon or talking to a friend on the phone.
College can be viewed as one of the most exciting times in your life yet it can also be filled with stress and pressures not only academically but also socially in friend and intimate relationships. It can be a time to figure out who you are and what you want for your future. Sometimes what stands in the way of figuring these big questions out is difficult experiences that are hard to talk about, self doubt, and anxiety. I create a space to focus on you and empower inner growth in order to make positive change towards the life you want to live.
I specialize in therapy for neurodivergent adults — particularly those with ADHD or autism diagnosed later in life — who are navigating burnout, confusion about how their mind works, repeating relationship patterns, or substance use that once helped but now contributes to stress. I also work with trauma, mood concerns, and co-occurring challenges that intersect with neurodivergence. My approach is assessment-informed and collaborative, combining insight with practical tools to help you understand yourself more deeply and build meaningful, sustainable change.