Therapists for college students near University of Southern California

I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, veteran, and former ER nurse and healthcare administrator dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized mental health care. My background in emergency medicine taught me how to support people through some of the most difficult and vulnerable moments of their lives. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I value creating a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where patients feel safe being themselves. I take a collaborative and down-to-earth approach to treatment, with a focus on helping patients feel understood, empowered, and supported in building meaningful, lasting change. My path into psychiatry was shaped by both my professional and personal experiences. Working as an ER nurse, I saw firsthand how deeply mental health affects every aspect of a person’s life and how often people were struggling silently long before reaching a crisis point. Those experiences inspired me to pursue a role where I could build longer-term relationships with patients and focus not only on stabilization, but on healing, growth, and overall quality of life. As a veteran and member of the LGBTQ+ community, I also understand the importance of feeling seen, heard, and supported, which continues to influence the kind of care and environment I strive to provide for my patients. I take a collaborative, patient-centered approach to treatment and believe the best care comes from truly understanding each person’s unique experiences, goals, and challenges. I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel comfortable being open and honest. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, surfing, and endurance training. Staying active and spending time outdoors are important parts of how I maintain balance and mental wellness, and I enjoy connecting with patients over the importance of finding healthy outlets and activities that bring meaning and fulfillment outside of work and daily stressors.

Are you looking to make some changes in your life? Let's make it real and transformative together. As a seasoned and licensed psychotherapist, I'm here to be your guide, helping you connect with your inner voice, find balance, and foster the rich, fulfilling relationships you truly deserve. My approach seamlessly weaves together Western and Eastern Psychology, uniting Mind, Body, and Spirit to deepen your relationship with yourself. Specializing in various modalities such as CBT and MBSR, I am equipped to assist in healing emotional trauma, anxiety, mental blocks, and pain, while also fostering creativity and high-level performance.

I profoundly believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to create a fulfilling and emotionally healthy life. I help people utilize their inherent strengths, build meaningful support systems, and develop practical skills that promote lasting change and personal growth. I am driven to help individuals overcome generational trauma and break free from cycles of pain and suffering. "I believe in tailoring my approach to meet the unique needs and preferences of each person. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel seen, heard and valued. Together, we work towards achievable goals, cultivate resilience, navigate challenges, and foster emotional well-being. I am committed to providing culturally competent and affirming care to all those I serve. In my practice, I find fulfillment in working with a diverse range of communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrant families, and college students. I have had the privilege of supporting individuals from various cultural backgrounds through life transitions and psychosocial stressors. I approach each session with empathy, curiosity and respect towards all experiences. I build trust and a strong therapeutic alliance by collaborating on goals, honoring your pace, and highlighting your strengths as we work through evidence-based strategies.

Greetings and welcome to my professional profile. I am committed to providing exceptional care with a focus on individual needs. My medical career has spanned the challenging environment of acute psychiatric care to the compassionate realm of family health services. As a Nurse Practitioner, my approach involves a comprehensive understanding of your health. I meticulously compile your medical history and conduct thorough examinations to ensure we address all aspects of your well-being. Interpreting laboratory tests and devising customized care plans are among my core competencies. My proficiency extends to minor surgical procedures and advanced diagnostic evaluations, collaborating with physicians to deliver seamless care. My capabilities also include remote consultations for an array of healthcare institutions, where I oversee laboratory analyses, medication management, and coordinate referrals to specialists as necessary. I am adept at performing in-depth health assessments during home visits, ensuring continuity of care and clear communication with your primary healthcare provider. My nursing experience encompasses both the fast-paced medical-surgical settings and the intensive care required in psychiatric wards, where I have provided direct patient care and leadership to healthcare teams. Reflecting on my earlier career in the Philippines, I gained valuable experience in anesthesia and served as a proactive community health officer, implementing vital health initiatives and providing direct patient care. I am dedicated to imparting knowledge that empowers you to make informed decisions regarding your healthcare. Patient safety is my foremost priority; I am vigilant in identifying potential risks and implementing necessary interventions without delay. I invite you to consider me as your healthcare ally. Let us collaborate professionally to achieve optimal health outcomes for you.

To the strong ones, You’re the one everyone leans on—but who do you lean on when the weight gets too heavy? You’ve built a life around being the reliable one, the fixer, and the steady hand in every storm. Whether in your career or your family, you are the person with the answers, the one who 'carries it well.' But high-functioning isn't the same as high-flourishing, and the pressure to maintain that strong exterior has become a silent tax on your peace of mind. Being the 'strong one' is a lonely place to be. While you’re busy taking care of the world, your own needs have become an after-thought. You deserve a space where you don’t have to perform, hold the posture, or take care of anyone else. We specialize in working with high-capacity individuals who are ready to trade "performing strength" for authentic resilience. Our approach is a blend of deep empathy and direct, results-oriented insight. This is your sanctuary—a place to deconstruct the pressure to have all the answers and finally breathe. You’ve taken care of everyone else long enough. It’s time someone held the space for you. Contact us today to schedule your free 15 minute phone consultation.

UCLA Tele-Mental Health Hub- Medi-Cal is required to receive services • Individual therapy, weekly for up to 1 year (45 -60 min sessions) • Psychiatric assessment and medication management available • We serve ages 12-59 • All clinicians are bilingual (Spanish-English) • All services are via Telehealth (HIPPA compliant and secure platform) • Mild to moderate symptoms and presentation

Other than helping others create change and learn to love themselves because they deserve to, I want to help others understand themselves on a deeper level. In my professional experience, I see how much clarity and knowledge about ourselves can foster our relationships within ourselves and with others. I ensure that my client feel heard and understood by providing an affirming, open minded, and empathetic approach. I find it important to actively listen to my clients and paraphrase or summarize what they had said to make sure I heard them right. I create a non-judgmental and encouraging space that allows for my clients to open up and express themselves authentically.

Whether you are coping with loss, relationship challenges, emotional neglect, abuse, or systemic stress, you do not have to navigate healing alone. I strive to create a compassionate, supportive space where clients can build autonomy, strengthen coping skills, and develop emotional resilience. My goal is to help my clients better understand how chronic stress impacts emotional well-being and to develop the skills to create meaningful, lasting change. The part I love about this field is seeing my clients transform into the person they've fought hard to become. I have witnessed the impact of mental health needs within my community, therefore, I will support you no matter your class, population, or race. If you've made it this far, thank you for your time. I hope I am a good fit for you! Regards A. LCSW

Life is full of moving pieces, and maintaining balance, relationships, healthy boundaries, self-esteem, and so many more often feels difficult. I am committed to developing a transparent, safe, and collaborative relationship with my clients. Feeling overwhelmed by current or past trauma(s), depression, anxiety, or a burden you have carried through life can be helped through the therapeutic relationship process. You are the expert on your own life, and I don’t take that for granted. Together, we will find the best path for your therapy journey. I will strive to help you develop new ways of thinking and support you in finding peace and confidence to help you create the life you want and deserve. I’ve spent over a decade working with clients from diverse backgrounds and settings, and it became clear that no one type of therapy fits everyone. I approach relationships with my clients warmly, mindfully, and compassionately. Our life experiences often shape the pattern of our thoughts and behaviors and perspective of adult life. Each of us brings our own stories to therapy, and would be an honor to learn about yours.

Allowing others to feel heard, understood, and valued is very important to me. I feel everyone deserves to be met with compassion and empathy, especially when seeking support. While it’s not my place to give advice, I will always ensure that the therapy space is safe to explore thoughts, ideas, and feelings in a way that feels supportive and non-judgmental. I will push and challenge when needed, as a way to support growth and positive change. I’ll follow you and want you want to work on. I’ll provide direction as needed, but ultimately you’re the one that decides what therapy is about, given it falls within my scope of practice. My style will fluctuate based on your needs; I’m a bit “loosey-goosey”, but I’ve found that it helps me work with lots of different people and meet a variety of needs!

You may understand your patterns—people-pleasing, self-criticism, or struggles with food—but still feel stuck. I help you work through the deeper patterns driving these experiences so you can feel less shame and build a stronger sense of self-worth.

* I'm licensed in Louisiana and California and would love to work with you virtually by FaceTime, Zoom, or phone. Reach out at 504-261-4443 (text) * I am in-network for many health plans for students from California through Headway Therapy. You only pay your copay through the portal. Start here: https://headway.co/providers/lisa-tahir-3?utm_source=pem&utm_medium=direct_link&utm_campaign=63753 * I am a Tulane Alum and teach in the Glass Art Department. * Check out my podcast, "All Things Therapy" on Spotify and iTunes * I've written a book on self-forgiveness and empathy endorsed by His Holiness The Dalai Lama, "The Chiron Effect: Healing Our Core Wounds through Astrology, Empathy, and Self-Forgiveness." Give me a text to 504-261-4443 to start your healing journey!

With many years of experience in community and private practice, I am deeply inspired by the resilience of the human spirit and the courage it takes to seek growth and healing. My passion for mental health care stems from my understanding of how past experiences shape present relationships and behaviors. This perspective drives my commitment to helping individuals understand and transform the narratives that may leave them feeling overwhelmed. In our sessions, I create a warm, direct, and interactive environment where you feel truly heard and understood. By collaborating with you, I aim to normalize your experiences and empower you to lead the way in making the best decisions for your personal growth and self-development. Together, we’ll build a sustainable framework for mental health and coping skills to support a balanced and fulfilling life. Trust is the cornerstone of my approach. By honoring your unique story and meeting you with empathy and respect, I strive to foster a strong therapeutic alliance. Whether working with individuals, families, or communities facing challenges like trauma, substance abuse, or homelessness, my goal is to provide person centered care.

I am here to help you negative life’s ups and downs with understanding, practical tools, and care because I understand what it means to struggle and need that person along your journey. Whatever you’re facing, I’d be honored to walk alongside you as you find your way. My approach is all about balance. I focus on understanding your emotions and unique journey, while also helping you take meaningful steps forward. I believe in creating a safe, welcoming space where you can feel heard and supported as you rediscover your strengths and sense of agency. I’m mindful of all aspects that make you who you are, and I’m here to help you find clarity, connection, and confidence on your path.

What inspires me to work in the field of mental health care is the incredible resilience and potential I have witnessed in clients over the years. With over 10 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how people can grow, adapt, and persevere through challenges. It’s truly motivating to witness the transformative power of therapy, as it serves as the spark or stepping stone that helps individuals create lasting change in their lives. I am inspired by the strength we all possess as human beings and the opportunity to be part of that transformative process, guiding clients toward a better future. To ensure that clients feel heard and understood in sessions, I focus on creating a safe and trusting environment where they can express themselves freely. I approach each session with cultural humility, recognizing that my norms and experiences may not align with those of the client. By leading with curiosity and empathy, I aim to foster a space where clients feel valued and understood. Additionally, I take a client-centered and trauma-informed approach, prioritizing the individual’s unique needs and experiences. I build trust and a strong therapeutic alliance by working collaboratively with clients to process difficult experiences. Together, we identify core beliefs and unhelpful thinking patterns that may be limiting their growth. By helping clients break free from these outdated beliefs and patterns, I create a space of support and empowerment, allowing them to move forward in a healthier, more constructive way. This collaborative approach fosters trust and a sense of partnership in the therapeutic process.

As your therapist, my priority is to create a therapeutic environment that fosters growth and positive change. I'm excited to work with you, addressing your challenges and helping you achieve your goals. Therapy is a transformative process that can guide you towards becoming the healthiest and happiest version of yourself.

If you need support for a challenging situation, dealing with work/life stressors, struggling to make healthy changes or ready to get unstuck and move in a new direction in your life, I can help you with your journey to living in the world as your most authentic self. By holding a safe space for you to be heard without judgement, I hope to help you see your existing values, strengths and learn new skills to help you adapt and cope. I am passionate about whole person health and helping you achieve your goals of growth, wellness, and personal joy. As a first generation Filipino American, I understand the stigma around expressing emotions and seeking mental health services in Asian American and minority communities. Suppressed emotions can lead to emotional distress, affecting body and soul. As a licensed clinical social worker with decades of experience in healthcare, I've seen the toll firsthand. I decided to become a therapist when I realized that it's ok to have uncomfortable feelings, to acknowledge them and and learn from them what we really want.I realize how daunting this first step to reaching out can be and am grateful you’ve taken the time to look into self care for yourself. I offer a free 15 minute consultation to see if we'd be good fit.

As a first generation immigrant and a former international student from South Korea, I am very passionate about working with clients with multicultural backgrounds. Since 2004, I have worked with people in South Korea, college students and graduate students in IL and CA, and people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s who struggle with relationship issues, family, life adjustment, intersecting identities, communications with older or younger generations, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and so on. I offer bi-lingual therapy; I worked as a licensed counselor in S. Korea, so you can speak only Korean, only English, or both languages in session. Since 2010, I have been working with clients to address a variety of issues in the United States. The main issues I have dealt with include relationship problems (romantic, family, interpersonal), anxiety, depression, ADHD, adjustment, identity, and self-esteem. The experiences of individuals rooted in immigrant families in the United States are special and unique. I have extensive experience counseling first, second, and third-generation Korean and Asian clients over the past 15 years while working in university counseling centers in the U.S. I utilize an integrative approach to therapy, primarily using elements drawn from Psychodynamic, Interpersonal, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) or Solution-Focused therapy based on the nature of the issues or client’s needs. In therapy, I strive to create new understanding, provide corrective experiences, and promote changes. My clients have told me that they enjoyed their work with me because they loved the insight about them and their patterns that they got from our work, warm and consistent support from me, and changes that they were motivated to make throughout the course of the therapy.

There's something magical about working with you, a student, that has your whole life ahead of you but yet you may feel like your not functioning at your best. I want to help you be the best version of you; whether it's alleviating anxiety, depression, trauma or OCD symptoms, you deserve that. I have 25 years of experience working with your age group and can't wait to get started. Have a look at my website that is based in trauma informed care ('cuz who doesn't have some kind of trauma that they've experienced in their lives)?

I know how difficult it can be when lack of motivation, worry, or stress keeps you from living the life you want. That's why I use evidence-based techniques to help you bring the color back to life. I specialize in academic stress, life transitions (like entering college or getting ready to graduate), work-life balance, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, and perfectionism. I take an individualized approach to therapy by prioritizing client goals, celebrating client's unique cultural traditions, and integrating relevant diversity and contextual factors into treatment. Clients who work with me describe me as compassionate, validating, and a great accountability partner. As a queer identifying clinician, I have extensive experience working with LGBTQIA+ individuals and have developed and led trainings in affirming care across the country. I also have specific expertise in gender issues, where I've helped clients unlearn unhelpful myths about gender and reimagine gender roles that no longer serve them. I strongly value a holistic approach to care which includes paying attention to often overlooked aspects of health such as sleep, chronic pain, and finding joyful ways of moving your body. I work from a health-at-every size perspective to help individuals learn to appreciate, love, and thrive in their own body.