Therapists for college students near 90095
Paola Johnson
My deep belief, rooted in both my practice as a therapist and in my experience healing my own trauma, is that our brains and bodies have the innate ability to heal from trauma when provided with a safe enough space to connect to and experience our internal world. As human beings, we are neurobiologically wired to be in relationships with others. For that reason, I have also learned that a key aspect of trauma recovery involves being in the presence of someone who can create safety and hold space for us to explore our own internal landscapes, somatically experiencing and releasing unprocessed emotions, and the stuck survival response trapped in the body. In therapy, I take a person-centered approach—you’ll get a chance to share all of your feelings and be heard and understood. I consider my approach holistic and integrative, using interventions informed by Polyvagal Theory and different experiential and body-based modalities such as Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT). We will collaborate on what approach will be helpful and when. This collaboration will help us feel on the same page and help you feel more connected to yourself and more clear and confident about the therapy process. If you are open to approaches that are alternative to traditional talk therapy and ‘ready to do the work,’ I’d be honored to hold space for you! I am a therapist at Octave, a behavioral health practice creating a new standard for mental health care that’s both high-quality and accessible. To learn more about my availability, please reach out to our Client Experience team by emailing or calling.
David Ha
I am a PMHNP who graduated from Cal State LA’s MSN program. I have experience working in phase 1 and 2 clinical research helping develop new medicines for mental health patients. I also have my own family history of mental health issues. My ability to connect with my patients deeply inspires me to keep working in this field. I get to know every patient’s background, lifestyle, relationships, occupations, hobbies, stressors, and medication history very thoroughly to develop a holistic approach to create a plan with the patient to ensure effective care.
matter.psychology, apc
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Rik Van Antwerpen
It can be hard to face and overcome difficulties alone and feel stuck in a place that may include anxiety, depression, addictions, inauthenticity with others, lack of self-esteem, stress, codependency, and overall life dissatisfaction. Together we can heal and transform the places where you feel stuck as well as learning tools you can use on your own. I use a variety of evidence-based techniques and provide you with a compassionate, warm space where you feel safe, seen and closely attuned to in order to explore and resolve issues together and ultimately engage with life from a more centered, authentic and fulfilled place. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
Nicole Chung
Do you feel like life's obstacles have become too overwhelming? If so, you're not alone. I can help you overcome such obstacles. Through psychotherapy, I help individuals live happier, healthier and more productive lives. Breaking through your obstacles begins with you. Contact me and we start your journey toward wellness. I see individuals dealing with a wide variety of struggles ranging from depression, anxiety and trauma to trouble with relationships, multicultural issues and difficult life transitions. Even if don't see your particular issue listed, let's discuss your needs and goals for therapy, and I can refer if necessary.
Julie Plutt LPCC
Do you find yourself struggling with intrusive, unwanted or “sticky” thoughts? Maybe your mind is constantly jumping to the worst case scenario, gets caught up in endless “what ifs,” or convinces you that you need to be 100% sure about something before you move on. You may have tried managing your anxiety or thoughts by avoiding certain people, places, or situations, reassuring yourself, mentally reviewing or rehearsing conversations, cleaning, saying a prayer, thinking a good thought to neutralize a bad thought, etc. You don't want to spend so much time engaging in these behaviors, but you feel like you can't stop — like you have to do them to stop something bad from happening, or to feel better. The relief you get from these behaviors is temporary, because the thoughts and feelings always come back, making you feel even more frustrated and hopeless. Over time you’ve noticed your world has started to shrink, and things have become difficult to manage. You struggle with paying attention in class, getting assignments in on time, procrastination, spending time with friends, or making decisions. You feel trapped, alone, and scared. If any of this resonates with you, I'm here to tell you that these experiences are common for those living with OCD and anxiety. The good news is that your life doesn't have to stay this way. With the right treatment, it’s possible to break free of OCD and anxiety and get back to the things that matter most to us. If you are interested in taking the next step please text, call, email, or fill out a form on my website to schedule a free 15 min consultation.
Denise Lee
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.
Jamie Sansivero
I work with college students navigating life’s many transitions, offering a supportive space to process challenges and build resilience. Whether you’re adjusting to college life, managing academic stress, or facing uncertainty about your next steps, I provide a warm, collaborative approach tailored to your needs. I also specialize in supporting women through a range of experiences, including identity shifts, relationships, fertility journeys, pregnancy, and postpartum adjustment. My goal is to help you feel understood, empowered, and better equipped to move forward with confidence.
Elisha Galaif
I work with my clients to create an open, trusting and safe environment where anything can be shared. My approach to therapy is to work collaboratively with clients to build a strong therapeutic alliance. In my practice, I use different therapeutic approaches depending on what works best for the client, including client-centered therapy (being congruent with the client, providing unconditional positive regard, and empathic understanding), a biopsychosocial approach, and/or Solution Focused Therapy. I believe that clients want to change, are the experts in their own desires and goals, and have the resources and inner strengths to overcome their mental health issues. My goal is to assist clients to move towards a future that they want by successfully addressing any issues that they might be facing or having difficulty resolving. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
Karuna Psychological Services
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Ellen Tarby
I help students who are struggling in their relationships or struggling with the demands of college expectations. I have unique specialties in anxiety treatment and eating disorder treatment as well. Reach out, and let's see if I can help!
Stephanie Levin Sandoz, Psy.D.
College is often a time of growth and change. Some days feel fun and exciting while at other times you may feel lonely and overwhelmed. Students are adjusting to living with roommates and trying to balance studies with socializing. Homesickness is common, as are sadness, stress, and sleep disturbances. College often allows young people to embrace their true selves and start anew. Please join me in a therapeutic, non-judgmental space to explore and process your feelings as you navigate this important time in your life. No topic is off-limits. I enjoy and feel privileged to work with this population and welcome the opportunity to connect soon.
Katy Caslav
Hello students! I am a LCSW that has been working with college students for the past 8 years. I was in college for 7 years and experienced my own struggles with maintaining mental health and academics, so I can understand and relate to students challenges. I provide individualized counseling to address a wide range of unique challenges commonly faced by college students including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, identity exploration, and peer and academic pressures. I offer a safe and nonjudgmental space where students can explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards personal growth and self-empowerment. I strive to empower students to overcome challenges, realize their potential, and thrive both personally and academically. We are a team!
Travis Buchanan
Therapy is an important investment in you. A foundation to my approach is forming an impactful relationship committed to helping. I offer a safe space to help support you through the challenges you bring to session. My therapeutic style is from a positive place of encouragement and insight while providing support to align your goals. I work to find strength within to help you find happiness. I've worked in private practice as well as in outpatient treatment, community mental health, and partial hospitalization programs. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
Stacy Bemis, PsyD
Welcome, and congratulations on taking the first step toward seeking therapy—which can be intimidating for many people. I understand that discussing sensitive topics with a stranger can feel daunting, so I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental, and culturally responsive space that cultivates trust and allows clients to share their deepest vulnerabilities without fear of judgment or ridicule. If you're dealing with academic stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, identity development, relationship issues, or the uncertainty that can come with transitioning from academia to the professional world, I can relate. I, too, have experienced many of these challenges during my college years. These are common and shared experiences for many young adults. In therapy, we'll work together as a team to clarify your values and vision, explore areas where you may feel stuck, and discover alternative ways to navigate barriers that may be hindering your progress. Using evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)-informed therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), you will learn practical tools to manage life's stressors more effectively. As we progress, I'm confident that you'll gain greater clarity about who you are, how you aspire to be, and how to pursue a path that aligns with your values and goals. As Winston Churchill famously said, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."
Gina Reynoso
I have been in private practice since 2018. I also work with the San Diego Sheriff's Department, as a Detentions Mental Health Clinician with extensive experience working in diverse mental health settings and detention environments. I have experience in working with community settings and non profit organizations to improve delivery of care including suicide prevention, as well as providing crisis intervention and clinics to treat their childhood trauma and addictions. Previously I worked with the National City Police Department for eight years, where I also served as a Peer Support Member. I am aware of the unique challenges the profession can have and the impact in the individual's life and his/her family and their relationships. I also have experience working with trauma through Child Welfare Services best known as (CPS), as an emergency worker abuse investigator for five years working with abused children and underserved population in the South Bay area in San Diego County. I have extensive experience working with trauma through domestic violence survivors. In addition to specializing in all relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and couple's therapy, I have taught parenting classes and facilitated domestic violence groups for children and women survivors of domestic violence. I also facilitated groups on healthy relationships and women's empowerment groups. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
Stephanie Torres
College can be exciting, but also overwhelming. If you’re feeling anxious, down, or stuck in your relationships, you’re not alone and support is available. I help students work through challenges like anxiety, depression, and relationship stress in a safe, laid-back space where you can be yourself. I take a whole-person approach to healing, focusing on the connection between mind, body, and soul. Together, we’ll build on your strengths and help you feel more balanced, empowered, and in control of your life. My goal is to support your growth, help you feel heard, and walk with you through whatever you’re facing.
Juliet Schmitt
I enjoy working with young adults as they balance new adulthood, get to really know who they are, and anticipate the challenges of the life looming ahead of them. It often feels like everyone around seems to think you should already have all of this figured out... but it really is ok to feel unsure right now. Seeking out a therapist to address these unknowns shows that you are capable of inviting new ways of thinking, new ways understanding yourself and those around you, and willing to put in the time and effort to grow into this life you are making. I would be happy to be one of your support team members as you work through this time in your life.
Courtney Packard Counseling
I specialize in working with young adults, adults, and couples. I take an integrative, person-centered approach to therapy, believing that every client is unique and the expert on their own experiences. In session, you can expect a non-judgmental and welcoming environment where you can express your authentic self. I strive to foster rapport through a balance of both humor and conversation.
Julie Cima
Hi, I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I have been practicing since 2006 and have experience in both intense community mental health and private practice. I help individuals who experience issues with trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and self-worth. I use evidence-based practices, particularly Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR, then tailor these approaches to suit your unique needs to help you face the future with new coping strategies and with a stronger sense of self.