Therapists for college students near UCLA

Navigating your college years is a massive transition. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed, shifting relationship dynamics, or anxiety about the future, you do not have to figure it out alone. I have been a therapist since 2011, and as a trauma specialist, I help young adults find their footing. As a UC Berkeley grad, I know firsthand the weight of high expectations. My approach is collaborative and conversational. I bring warmth and genuine care to our sessions. We will work as a team, using strategies focused on finding solutions to get to the root of what is holding you back while building practical tools for resilience. Our first session is simply a safe, supportive space to start unpacking what is on your mind. We move at your pace. Reach out today, and let's start exploring what true healing looks like for you.

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Hi! My name is Michelle and I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist. I am currently accepting new referrals. I have over 10 years experience working with children, parents and families. I specialize in relationships between children and parents, biracial parenting, multi-racial children and I enjoy helping family systems navigate daily struggles of living at home during the pandemic. I also have experience working with adults who are navigating life stressors and life changes.

Let’s be honest, although change is inevitable, it can be really stressful. We all deserve to be seen, heard and loved. To know we are not alone. Together, we can work through your concerns so you can be the best version of yourself.

Over the last decade, I have been dedicated to providing compassionate and empathetic mental health care and working in the communities to reduce mental health stigma. To support my patients and community, I have had many roles, including volunteering at domestic abuse shelters, speaking for mental health organizations, facilitating campus support groups, and working as a psychiatric registered nurse. As a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I will continue my passion for providing quality mental health care for my patients, ensuring every patient feels supported and heard. I center around collaboration and empowerment. What inspires me to work in the mental health field is witnessing the resilience of those I serve. Every day, I see individuals overcome challenges and rediscover hope through compassionate, personalized care. Their journeys remind me that mental health care is about more than treating symptoms—it’s about empowering people to reclaim their lives. I am driven by the opportunity to create safe, supportive environments where patients feel heard, valued, and inspired to achieve their full potential. This work not only fuels my passion but also reaffirms my commitment to making a positive, lasting impact in the lives of others. My approach centers around collaboration, empowering patients to actively participate in treatment plans that best suit their goals and lifestyles. There is no ‘one size fits all’; every patient has different symptoms, beliefs, and needs. Building a therapeutic alliance and fostering an environment of trust and empathy are essential in my practice, ensuring each patient feels supported and understood. In addition, I practice holistic care and look at all aspects of my patient’s life to help improve their quality of life. Finally, I am passionate about Trauma-Informed Care as trauma is a nearly universal experience and patients should all be treated with sensitivity and care.

As someone from an underserved population who struggled to connect to resources, I understand how important mental health services are for our overall well-being. I believe it’s vital to challenge the stigma of mental health and create an environment where you feel understood and heard. Life has many challenges and transitions, and I am passionate about supporting others in their healing journey. I provide mental health services for anxiety, depression, and life transitions, as well as interpersonal relationships and challenges. I also value advocacy, an often underutilized tool that can support your life, and help clients connect to community resources and social supports. I believe collaboration is vital in the therapeutic process and I strive to work with clients to provide services that cater to their needs. I aid clients in building skills and tools that will benefit them in their healing journey. Throughout the treatment process, I make sure to aid clients in feeling comfortable communicating as therapy has been seen as a scary process for many. I use humor when clinically appropriate along with working to meet clients where they are and aid clients in understanding clinical issues in relatable terms. I love engaging in my nerdy side; whether it be reading, gaming, or discussing worlds and stories where helping the world is at a far grander and fantastic scale. I love connecting with others about their passions as I love connecting to my own outside of work.

I went through a very difficult with my mental health. I felt very low and hopeless at the time. What helped me was going to therapy for the first time. It started me on a journey to self-awareness and self-compassion that has carried throughout my life. Now I would like to help in inspiring similar journeys with my own work as a therapist. I enjoy learning about people and their unique thought processes. I ask questions, verify I understand what you’re saying and do not rest until I can understand where you are at and what your unique perspective on the world is. I am very straightforward when it comes to therapy. I am open about the modalities that I use and make sure you understand my process as we work together. I never force anything and am also willing to work from where your at and come up with solutions that are in line with your goals and personal interests.

Have you been feeling anxious, sad, overwhelmed or stressed out lately? Perhaps fears, perfectionism, procrastination or struggles adjusting to changes in your life or relationships are preventing you from achieving your goals? I have a passion for working with young adults thru their college and early career years who are in need of support. Together we will help you create a strong emotional foundation and build tools to manage life's challenges. We’ll explore your patterns, uncover triggers and create personalized tools to help you feel better, more grounded, confident and in control. Seeking support is a sign of strength! Sessions available via telehealth to anyone located in California.

My purpose as a therapist is to create a healing container that enables my clients to explore the full scope of their life. Through this exploration, I gently assist my clients to learn how their past life experiences shape and impact their current life experiences and behavior. This process allows my clients to integrate their new deep understanding of themselves as a means to begin living a more fulfilling, satisfying and functional lifestyle. I am passionate about supporting my clients through this process, helping them to see that their past may have shaped them, but does not define their future. Various areas that I specialize in treating consist of; trauma, eating disorders, performance anxiety for competitive sports, and difficulties surrounding faith. “There is healing in the river of life.” This quote by MacPowell demonstrates my belief that faith can be an integral factor towards one’s journey of healing and well-being. Difficult life experiences may have one questioning how they can ever feel whole again. I help my clients to explore their faith and belief systems, and to integrate their faith into their everyday life. For those who seek it, my faith-based approach to therapy helps clients feel safe and supported. I am a certified EMDR therapist and use this approach to help my clients heal from the past and move towards a brighter future.

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.

Are you feeling overwhelmed managing anxiety or stress? It is time to regain control and find tranquility. Picture a safe, confidential space where you can freely discuss these challenges. As your therapist, I will offer you that safe space to express yourself authentically and feel more in charge in your life. While current stressors may feel overwhelming, remember, they do not dictate your future. My expertise lies in guiding clients through trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem challenges, life transitions, and more. I obtained certifications in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Managing and Adapting Practice, Incredible Years Program (Parenting Program: School Age Basic Program & the Child Training: Small Group Dinosaur Curriculum). Additionally, I am trained in EMDR, Seeking Safety, & Gottman Level 2. These evidence-based practices have proven highly effective in my approach to treating diverse populations and addressing various mental health issues. Reaching out for help is a courageous step toward your healing journey. Starting therapy might feel intimidating initially, but I'm here to support and guide you.

I am so happy you are here! Starting therapy can be difficult, but you have already taken the first step! In my last 7+ years as a therapist, I have worked with teens and young adults who are experiencing anxiety, stress, and depression due to life transitions and/or trauma. In our first session, you will have the opportunity to share your story and we will work together to set realistic goals to meet your needs.

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.

Katherine is a warm and engaging therapist who values honesty and transparency in her interactions with clients. She is passionate about helping her clients achieve their goals and find joy in their lives. She believes that therapy is a collaborative process and works closely with clients to create a customized treatment plan that meets their unique needs. Having recovered from her own eating disorder, Katherine is able to bring a unique level of empathy and understanding to every session. Clients can expect to feel heard and validated but also pushed to confront their thoughts and behaviors in a supportive environment. Her encouraging approach helps clients feel comfortable opening up and sharing their feelings, and her humor adds a refreshing, lighthearted touch to the therapeutic process. Katherine earned her undergraduate degree in Sociology and Women and Gender Studies from Furman University and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of North Carolina. She has worked in all levels of care from outpatient to residential and most recently was the Program Director of a telemedicine Intensive Outpatient Program for Eating Disorders and the Director of Behavioral Health for a national telemedicine company. Katherine has over a decade of experience treating a wide range of issues including eating disorders, trauma, mood disorders, anxiety, personality disorders and substance use disorders. She holds independent licenses to practice Social Work in 15 states and is currently pursuing her Eating Disorder Specialist certification through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals.

Our Mission is to provide accessible, culturally responsive mental health care that empowers historically and systemically marginalized individuals, families, and communities to heal, grow, and thrive! As a community-focused agency, we are dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where clients and employees can show up as their full, authentic selves. Through compassionate, holistic, and collaborative treatment, we strive to increase access to high-quality, consistent, and effective mental health services that honor each person's unique experiences and needs.

Sometimes life throws us a fork in the road and sends us off course leading to unfamiliar territory. This change can contribute to feeling lost and alone in this world even when you are surrounded by loved ones. You feel like you are treading water and barely staying afloat. This change causes imbalances in your personal and professional life. You are feeling frustrated and have no one to turn to that can understand what you are going through. Perhaps you are pregnant or a new mom trying to find some level of normalcy with this huge change in your life. You feel alone, sleep deprived, and feeling like no one understands what you are going through. You want to make a change in your life, finding more effective ways to cope and prevent yourself from repeating patterns in your life. Does this sound familiar? If so, you have come to the right place. Let me help you… I am an experienced Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #88489) in San Diego. I am a collaborative, compassionate, empathetic and relatable therapist. I believe that the key to personal growth and success is to find balance and inner happiness within ourselves. As a therapist, my role is to provide a nurturing environment allowing the opportunity for self-exploration and growth. In this process, I provide support, understanding, and feedback. Every person and every situation is different. There is not one formula that works for everyone. I believe that in order to effectively meet your goals; sessions should be personalized based on your individual needs.

I am a licensed mental health counselor in Tennessee and California, and I provide therapy virtually to students in both states. I work with people who are dealing with things like stress, difficult transitions and circumstances, traumatic events, relationship problems, grief, discrimination, and systemic marginalization. I specialize in working with people seeking recovery from the abuse they experienced in their families, intimate relationships, workplaces, religious and faith communities, and also survivors of cults and other high-demand/control groups. Additionally, I work with those who are living with mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, suicide risk, and post-traumatic stress disorder. I also specialize in working with people seeking recovery from substance use, and I welcome clients who are active substance users. I enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds and strive to create a safe, affirming space for the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, disabled individuals, and other marginalized groups. Being a military spouse myself, I am honored to work with active military members, their families, and veterans. Feel free to check out my website to learn more about my experience and specialties. Those who work with me can expect to experience a safe and supportive space. My approach is very down-to-earth, and I aim to use research-backed therapy interventions in a way that’s accessible and helpful. I believe no two people need the same approach. There is no universal formula for creating positive change. Your path is your own. The job of a counselor is to help you find your footing and support you on your unique journey. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to see if we’re a good fit. Please reach out to get that scheduled, or if you have any questions you’d like to ask first.

Life is a series of changes and transitions that can create roadblocks in our lives. As a Licensed Psychologist, I work with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, perfectionism, procrastination, histories of trauma, grief and loss, AAPI issues, and other life hurdles. In addition, I work on supporting individuals with the unique challenges of juggling life as a student. My practice is grounded in creating a safe, supportive space where clients can feel seen, heard, and empowered to grow. In session, I offer opportunities for introspection wherever one might be in their journey. With empathy and direct clear goals, we will work together on tailoring a plan specifically for you by breaking down larger goals into more manageable steps. Coming from a bicultural background, as an Asian American female, I understand the unique challenges that one faces when straddling two different worlds. I believe in providing therapy that honors multicultural perspectives and diversity. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself, your child, or your relationship, I’m here to walk alongside you with care and intention.

I worked in the college counseling setting for many years, and left it private practice and for a better life-work balance. In my practice, I mostly work with active duty servicemembers and their families; however, my heart still beats for the college students. I would describe myself as a multiculturally-focused, feminist, strength-based relational therapist. I am queer and gender-affirming therapist and I do a lot of trauma work.

I would share it has been a life-long desire and practice to participate in the personal growth of youth and adults. I would share my life experience in teaching, community, and faith-based service. I would share this thought… “the words silent and listen have the same letters, sometimes it can most effective to do both in order to be heard and understood.” I would share that working together is most profitable when it is a TEAM effort and boundaries and respect are foundational. I would also remind the client that achieving their desired goals, building trust and a healthy alliance, is a process.