Therapists for college students near UCLA

I work best with college students who are starting to notice how perfectionism, people-pleasing, or pressure to achieve affects their mental health. Many grew up feeling like they had to be “the strong one” or keep the peace at home, and now those same patterns show up in school, relationships, or self-worth. They’re ready to understand themselves better, heal from the past, and feel more grounded in who they are.

My experience covers a wide variety of presenting concerns and backgrounds. Working for a decade in higher education I spent a great deal of time with high achievers who were managing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and identity concerns. I am a strengths based, person centered therapist at my core, who utilizes perspectives and interventions from many areas of treatment, e.g., identity development models, systems theory, interpersonal and cognitive behavioral therapy. I believe people often have the answers for themselves if given the proper conditions for reflection and growth.

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.

My therapy specialties are Anxiety, Addiction, family members of those with Addiction, Substance abuse Recovery and Trauma. I use a specific Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) material from a Rand Corporation Study on mood disorders to treat anxiety and related issues. I utilize an evidence-based therapy called Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) to treat trauma or related issues. I worked in high quality treatment centers for 14 years as a therapist so I know a lot about addiction related issues. I am also a certified Life Coach.

For years I navigated the fast-paced world of tech, a path that provided stability but left a nagging sense of yearning. Through attending therapy myself, I began a long journey of self-discovery to finally recognize the person I truly wanted to be. This wasn’t just about a career change; it was about uncovering the voice I’d kept hidden and the connections I craved. Now, my passion lies in helping clients embark on their own journey to become their most authentic self. My goal is to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment in which clients can explore their thoughts and feelings freely. Whether you are contending with overwhelming emotions, seeking to improve your relationships, or struggling with a difficult life transition, I am here to help guide you towards greater understanding and resilience. With a compassionate and evidence-based approach, I am confident that we can work together to help you achieve your goals and lead a more fulfilling life. As a therapist, I leverage Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to empower clients to manage their emotional and behavioral struggles. During sessions, we will collaboratively identify unhelpful thinking patterns that contribute to negative emotions or problematic behaviors. We will then explore the evidence for and against these thoughts, fostering a more balanced and realistic perspective. My approach is grounded in meeting each individual where they are on their journey toward healing and growth. My background in traditional work environments allows me to uniquely connect with professionals and students facing work stress, burnout, or career dissatisfaction. Being a former video game developer who stays current on the latest trends, I also find that I easily connect with kids, young adults and teens.

I specialize in working with college students and adults who are navigating anxiety, breakups, low self-esteem, stress, ADHD, life transitions, and grief. We’ll talk about what brought you to therapy, what you’d like to work on, and what you hope to get out of our time together. I’ll also ask some questions about your history, current challenges, and what has or hasn’t worked for you in the past. We will create your treatment plan based on your goals for therapy. My goal is to help you reconnect with your strengths, challenge unhelpful patterns, and move forward with clarity and purpose. Together, we’ll work toward meaningful self-improvement, grounded in the belief that we have power over our minds and the freedom to live authentically. I use a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Schema Therapy to help you understand patterns, build new skills, and create lasting shifts in your thinking and behavior. I tailor each session to your unique needs.

I became a therapist to welcome everyone so they feel safe and can be heard without judgement. My goal is for my clients to feel supported, heard and feel connected to someone they trust. I ensure that clients feel they are heard and understood by helping them stay on track with their goals and life experiences. I invite feedback during our sessions so that their needs and concerns are addressed. I build trust and a strong therapeutic alliance by prioritizing a safe and welcoming space in remote therapy. My approach is to use humor, creativity and metaphors to help the clients connect. I want to make the process of therapy more engaging and meaningful. I enjoy family life. I run every day first thing in the morning to feel connected and balanced. I also enjoy watching college basketball – especially when my team wins.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with experience supporting college students through anxiety, trauma, relationship struggles, and depression. Whether you’re dealing with academic pressure, family issues, social stress, or just feeling stuck, I’m here to help. Therapy with me is in person or virtual, flexible, and designed to fit your schedule. This is a space where you can be yourself, feel heard, and start building tools to manage life more confidently. Together, we’ll explore what’s weighing you down and work toward clarity, healing, and growth, at your pace. Let’s connect. If you're ready to feel more grounded and supported, I offer virtual sessions designed around your life. Reach out today to schedule a time that works for you

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Since I could remember, I knew that I wanted to be in a field that would give me the opportunity to help others. I chose to be a psychology major for many reasons but one of them is because I found psychology very interesting and fascinating. I also discover that being genuinely interested in people, wanting to help and having the ability to easily connect with others were strengths that would help me in my journey of being able to help others. I have a passion for helping clients enhance their personal strengths, develop coping skills for them to thrive during difficult times, life transitions and needed change. One of the most important thing for me as a therapist is on providing a safe environment to my clients. I do it by being genuine, empathetic and compassionate. I also use actively listening to really understand the client’s perspective on their situations, and also what they want out of treatment. One question that I found important is to ask my client about their previous experiences in therapy and what was something that they did not like or liked in order to understand more what they might need from out therapeutic relationship. I like working collaboratively with my clients to build healthier relationships with themselves and others. I truly believe that people are the experts of their lives. Using compassion, active listening, kindness and a collaborative approach has helped my clients feel safer in our sessions while working together. When leaving our sessions, clients will have a roadmap for their healing and personal development journey. Through out our work together, clients will feel empower, motivate and hopeful that they can improve and achieve their treatment goals.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Jungian Analyst, and Certified Sandplay Therapist in private practice in Berkeley, California. I work with adults facing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship difficulties, grief, trauma, and questions of meaning and identity. My approach integrates psychodynamic psychotherapy, Jungian analysis, and sandplay therapy. I believe that emotional suffering often carries important psychological meaning and can become an opportunity for growth, self-understanding, and transformation. In addition to verbal dialogue, I attend to dreams, symbolic imagery, creativity, and the unconscious dimensions of experience. I strive to provide a thoughtful, respectful, and collaborative therapeutic relationship where individuals can explore their inner lives with greater depth, authenticity, and compassion.

As a psychologist at Stella Nova Psychology, I support women and LGBTQIA+ students to feel better, and show up in their lives as the people they want to be. My clients learn to build confidence, address negative patterns that are holding them back, and improve their relationships with themselves and others. I see my role as equal parts collaborator, support, and guide for the journey. I work with a wide range of issues, including anxiety and stress management, immigration and acculturation issues, all types of relationships concerns. I love working with students, and have previous experience working in university counseling at USF. Many of my clients struggle with imposter syndrome, perfectionism, or a harsh inner critic. I'm trained to help my clients heal and move forward after trauma, whether in childhood or more recently. You're looking for a goal-oriented therapist who can help you understand how a problem got started, what’s keeping you stuck now, and — most importantly — guide you towards new skills and frameworks for moving forward. Let's talk about what your goals and needs are, and how I can help you get there.

I work best with clients who have an intended goal and who are willing to do the work outside of session to achieve stated goals.

Depth-oriented, psychodynamic therapy for children, adolescents - and their parents, as well as adults. For many, this work begins after other approaches have helped — but not quite enough. When the problem keeps returning, it often means something deeper hasn't been reached yet. My clients are parents who have tried behavioral plans, accommodations, or previous therapies and are still searching for something that gets to the heart of it. I also work with teenagers navigating unique challenges, and adults carrying long-standing patterns. I am currently in doctoral training in psychoanalytic clinical social work. Together, we look beneath the immediate concerns to understand the emotional and relational dynamics shaping your experience over time. The goal is not just symptom relief but deeper awareness that supports meaningful, lasting change. This is reflective, relational work — unhurried and collaborative, with room for genuine exploration. I bring over seven years of clinical experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families in school and community settings. My school-based counseling background across multiple districts informs my understanding of how school systems, learning differences, and special education processes affect children and families. ~Carolyn Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker 408.912.2461 x415 chuynh@processes.org *Under clinical supervision of Gayathri Ram Mohan, LCSW #102168

Life may not be what you are expecting. Maybe you feel unworthy, stuck, and feeling anxious. Are you struggling with anxious thoughts, insecurities, and trauma that are robbing you of your values, dreams, and living the life you want? If you feel like your fears are out of control, your mind is racing, and you are left feeling hopeless, you have come to the right place. I can help you navigate your path toward living a more clam and present life. My approach to therapy is unbiased, client-centered, and collaborative. I truly value diversity and its impacts and utilize a Gestalt and CBT therapy approach, emphasizing self-compassion. I have advanced training in Domestic Violence and Moral Recognition Therapy (MRT), Domestic violence, abuse, and self-compassion. I like to use my clinical counseling experience, ecotherapy and a christian counseling lens to help you navigate your path toward living a more calm and present life. The tools I'll provide you with can help you with identifying anxious patterns and bring awareness to where you feel stuck.

Reaching out for help can be a BIG deal and I am here to make therapy a space where you can grow, be challenged, and learn how to live a life YOU are happy with. Have you been feeling an increase in Anxiety? Are you a young adult trying to navigate the world and figuring out where you fit? How about someone experiencing substance misuse? These are the areas I get excited to help people manage. I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. My goal is to help you gain the control you deserve to have over your own life. Have you considered talking to someone but you’re not sure where to start? As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I am trained in working with people and specialize in young adults, as well as treating co-occurring disorders. I believe individuals experiencing addiction are often times also managing mental health symptoms. I treat the WHOLE person. My approach is meeting you where you are at and working together to ensure therapy is a beneficial space that improves your life. I am here to support your journey.

Welcome! Please see my website or contact me for more information about my practice.

If you want to see the universe laugh, tell it your plans.” In my 30 years of practicing psychology, this is perhaps one of my most favorite client quotes. Life is a meandering, unpredictable adventure with fulfilling, joyous times and also some unexpected and difficult challenges included. It’s not always easy to create the life and relationships that will bring fulfillment and happiness. Sometimes it’s difficult to even imagine your goals, understand what’s going wrong and think of solutions to overwhelming problems. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, low self-worth or just a general sense of dissatisfaction and unhappiness, therapy can help you gain insight into your feelings, clarify your life’s direction and help you create a life worth living by maximizing your true potential. I strive to create a safe, supportive, non-judgmental environment where we can collaboratively explore, understand and clarify your feelings as well as find more adaptive ways to cope and problem solve the issues in your life. I believe that you can’t really understand someone’s present world without understanding their past experiences and how that is negatively or positively impacting their life now. In therapy I can help you break out of old patterns that are not serving you well anymore, improve coping alternatives and psychological flexibility while concurrently providing you concrete strategies for managing overwhelming feelings in the moment and the support and empathy you need to move forward. Life is hard for everyone at some point, but in considering therapy now, you have demonstrated the courage to strive for more and take the first step towards healing and growth. Together we will create the life you’ve always wanted by exploring what is holding you back, getting in your way and answering the questions you were previously too afraid to consider. I have been practicing psychology/therapy for the past 30 years since receiving my PhD in 1993 from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I recently retired from my job of 21 years in university counseling so that I could start my own private practice and better serve the clients with whom I work. I am a “true generalist” in every sense of the word and have experience and comfort in working with many different types of individuals, couples and issues. Some of my areas of expertise are: *Transitional aged youth ages 18-35, * Relationship and Interpersonal issues * Rape/Sexual assault *Relationship Abuse *Depression *Anxiety *Couples Therapy *Sports Psychology/Performance Enhancement *Processing Childhood Emotional and Physical Abuse. *Life Transitions *Parenting Issues I am eager to join you on your journey towards happiness and fulfillment so please reach out for a free consultation and take the first step toward a better and more powerful you. I offer Telemental Health Treatment to all of California.

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) & clinical life coach, owner of Truth, Healing & Evolution Counseling Services and WLW HEALING HOUSE, and founder of T.H.E. iLove Me Experiences and "My Warrior Life" movement. With over 17 years of experience, I work to provide clients with safe spaces to freely express themselves, encourage them to "stretch & grow" and teaches them the coping skills necessary to assist in their healing. I Am passionate about: Normalizing Radical SelfCare and teaching clients about their WHOLE being; focusing on the connections and relationships between their Spirit, Soul, Mind, and Body. Our unique team of Clinicians focus on CORE Work (Clinical Counseling), CHARACTER Building (Clinical Coaching) and Creating COMMUNITY (Group Counseling/Support Groups). We offer Psychotherapy, Clinical Hypnotherapy, EMDR Therapy, Art & Music Therapy, Group Therapy, Services provided in Spanish. Therapeutic Experiences: Workshops, Retreats & Community Events. As a published writer, motivational speaker, guest lecturer & community activist; I have a passion for freeing individuals of the grudges & struggles that keep them from living life to the fullest; teaching the motto, "If it's not enhancing your life, it/they have no place in your life."

My approach to therapy is collaborative, non-judgmental, and action-oriented. I practice evidence-based treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). CBT focuses on changing problematic thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. DBT provides skills for regulating emotions and behaviors and improving relationships. Cultivating compassion can help you learn to face the challenges in your life with courage, wisdom, and kindness. I can help you improve well-being and life satisfaction and establish more compassionate relationships with yourself and others. In therapy together, I will listen closely and without judgment, helping you to uncover and pursue what you value most. I will help you change ingrained, self-defeating patterns and replace them with new, healthier ways of meeting needs. And I will offer you tools, support, and therapeutic techniques with your personal needs and preferences in mind.