Therapists for college students near UCLA

I work best with students who feel constantly overwhelmed, exhausted, or like life is harder for them than it seems to be for everyone else. Many of the students I support have spent years being told they’re “just anxious,” “too sensitive,” or “not trying hard enough,” even though they know something deeper is going on. They may struggle with focus, motivation, emotional overwhelm, sensory overload, or feeling like they have to present a certain version of themselves to get by. My approach is warm, supportive, and practical. Therapy with me focuses on helping you understand how your brain works, reduce self-blame, and build tools that actually fit your capacity so school and life feel more manageable.

We specialize in working anxiety, depression, life transitions, stressors and relationship issues. We work from a client centered perspective, meaning we will always meet YOU where you are at. We work to help clients feel better.

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 specialize in working with ADHD, stress, perfectionism, "people pleasing," self-esteem and the struggles of young adulthood. You'll find me to be genuine, warm, caring and detail-oriented when it comes to you and your needs. My practice is a place where you'll feel heard and understood. Let me be your guide as you navigate life's stresses, your symptoms, a big change, difficult relationships, or whatever might be getting in the way.

Thank you for being here—I'm really glad you're considering taking this step. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply curious about how therapy might support your growth, this could be a meaningful time to explore things more deeply. In our work together, I aim to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can be fully heard and supported. My approach is collaborative and tailored to your unique goals, whether that's managing anxiety, working through past experiences, improving relationships, or simply understanding yourself better. Therapy isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating room to ask the right questions. If we decide to work together, we’ll move at a pace that feels right for you. Taking the first step can be difficult. If you have any concerns I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have about the process. Please feel free to reach out when you're ready.

In our first session together, I also welcome you to my real or virtual office and I invite you to make it your own safe space. I explain that therapy is a process, a relationship, and an adventure. It's also a gift of discovery and renewal that only you can give to yourself, especially in our challenging days. In this process, my role is to listen, to support, to challenge, to guide, and to celebrate you as you are becoming more courageous to face the parts of yourself you were avoiding, more accepting of yourself and of others, and fully present in your life. For over 25 years, I have practiced psychotherapy with people from all walks of life. My approach evolves as your process deepens and your needs change. As an ordained minister, I also have training and formation in spiritual direction and I can help you explore spiritual and faith concerns as part of the therapy process. I believe we are created with a tremendous capacity for good and we are given inner resources to overcome the gravest difficulties. This faith renews my love for my work and my strength as a therapist. I feel the greatest joy when I witness people's healing from emotional pain as they are making peace with the past and with the challenges of the present.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I work with individuals and couples using a strength-based approach that is interactive, collaborative and informed by the latest research on attachment theory, neuroscience, and mindfulness. I see each person as more than the problem they walk in with, emphasizing their unique strengths and resilience as the most important ingredients for healing. I specialize in working with men to help deepen their capacity to understand and manage complex emotional states so they can have more self-confidence and greater satisfaction in their relationships.

Welcome! I'm Isabella. Thank you for finding your way here. I'm an integrative psychotherapist providing tele-health therapy to individuals and couples located within California. I come to this work with a deep reverence for the human experience and the courage it takes to turn inward. I am passionate about supporting highly sensitive souls, and those navigating anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem issues, and life transitions. As someone who is no stranger to the rocky terrain of the psyche, I know what it's like to feel lost, scared, and longing for relief. And yet, even amidst the chaos, there is wisdom, clarity, and calm that can always be found. This, I hold as a deep truth. I completed my practicum training at Saint Mary's College of California CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services) where I worked with a diverse population of undergraduate and graduate students. I really love working with college students and supporting them through this very important stage in adulthood. If you think we might be a fit, please don't hesitate to reach out!

If you’re feeling tired of patterns that no longer serve you and ready to face what’s been holding you back, you’re not alone. Many people reach a point where they want more than survival—they want clarity, peace, rest, and a healthier relationship with themselves/equipped to thrive in relationships with others. Therapy can be a space to move forward mindfully, let go of unhelpful coping strategies, and begin building a life that feels more aligned, balanced, and authentic. Therapy can also be a space where your faith based values can be honored to enrich your experience. I support women & teen girls navigating ADHD, body image concerns, anxiety, depression, and disordered eating—areas that often overlap more than people realize. Sessions are holistic (seeing you as a whole person), thoughtful and collaborative, focused on understanding root patterns while building insight, self-compassion, and practical tools for change. Reaching out for support takes courage, and you don’t have to do it alone. If what you’ve read resonates, I invite you to schedule a free 20-minute consultation through my website. This is a chance to connect, ask questions, and see if working together feels like the right next step.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Are you and your partner disconnected? Have tons of resentment? Feeling like roommates? Having the same conflict over and over again? Constantly met with defensiveness? Feeling like you are always misunderstood? Scared to bring things up because they'll "get upset" or shut down? Don't know where to start? If you are facing any of these challenges, you are not alone. Some conflicts in relationships never fully go away, but they don't have to keep hurting you. We can unpack whats really happening beneath the surface so the conflict stops feeling destructive and we can get the change you've been hoping for. I provide telehealth therapy for couples who want real and structured change, not just a therapist who is a mediator or referee. I use the Gottman Method, which is a research-based intervention with 50 years of research on how couples communicate and connect. I will bring those tools to every session to help you repair your relationship. Healing and change are possible, even when it feels difficult and uncertain. My approach is warm, structured, direct, and collaborative. I’ll help you understand why patterns keep showing up and give you tools you can actually use outside of session. Therapy with me is a space where you can slow down, feel understood, and start making changes that last.

I am a licensed psychologist with strong specialties in treating folks with eating disorders and anxiety. I also have extensive experience working with people with depression and relationship concerns. I am a compassionate, direct therapist. I work collaboratively with my patients to set and achieve their goals. These goals often include increased self-acceptance, as well as changes in mood, thought patterns, and behaviors. My therapy is rooted in empirically based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), psychodynamic theory, and neuroscience research. I develop customized strategies to help my patients manage painful thoughts and emotions, change unhelpful behaviors, and increase motivation. I also help cultivate self-compassion and self-understanding. Self-understanding promotes self-acceptance. When you allow yourself to be who you are, your inner critic has no leverage, and you move more easily toward a meaningful and fulfilling life. For most of my patients, this is the ultimate goal. Please go to my website for more information. My blog describes many of the concepts and strategies I use.

Our society teaches us to value independence, confidence and productivity – sometimes to the detriment of personal relationships and our own sense of self-worth. Almost daily we are bombarded with narrowly defined gender roles, and ‘rules’ around how we should look, act, think and feel. I enjoy collaborating with clients to reconsider the boundaries of their lives, how they create meaningful relationships, and in doing so, identify their preferred ways of engaging with the world around them. My therapy approach is client-centered, compassionate, honoring of your values and lived experiences, and focused on the changes you would like to make in your life. I draw from Narrative Therapy practices and Solution-Focused principles to support you in re-writing your personal story and overcoming the challenges that keep you feeling stuck. I also recognize that many of the hardships that clients face are the result of systemic racism, injustice and inequity. These can manifest in a host of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression and intimate partner violence, to name a few. Additionally, I supervise Associate MFTs working to obtain their clinical license. They provide tele-therapy appointments at a reduced fee. See more details on my web site.

Pacific Neurobehavioral Clinic, PC, is a leading mental health clinic in San Diego, CA that provides high-quality neuropsychological evaluation and psychological therapy services for adults (ages 18 and up). Our neuropsychologists specialize in traumatic brain injury (TBI), neurodegenerative conditions (Alzheimer’s disease, other dementias), and other acquired neurological conditions (such as strokes/cerebrovascular accidents, multiple sclerosis, brain tumors) in adults. Our psychologists and therapists specialize in working with various health conditions, particularly with chronic pain, and take an integrative approach in the evaluation and treatment of depression, anxiety, somatic symptom disorders, and trauma and stressor-related disorders. Our psychologists are also skilled in performing pre-surgical psychological clearance evaluations for spinal cord stimulator or bariatric surgeries. Several of our clinicians are Spanish-speaking. Telehealth/telepsych services are available to CA residents.

Are you stuck? Your journey towards empowerment and freedom starts now. You will build the skills to overcome your personal struggles and with those you love. Everyone has capacity for positive growth. You will be provided with a genuine, empathic, and safe space to allow you to tap into your innate power for growth and development. Our early childhood experiences and attachment styles shape our personality and behavior. Working on your past relationships will help you gain insight into your current situation, then use that insight to reduce daily stress and find your way. My experience includes working with a diverse group of children, adults, and adolescents in the areas of relationships, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, anger management, coping skills, and emotional regulation. I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which is a very effective way to heal from traumatic memories or events.

We often come to therapy because something in our life has emerged in a way we find challenging to navigate on our own. I approach our work together with this in mind, and as an honored participant in your journey toward growth and deepened insight. My therapeutic style is rooted in relational psychodynamic, IFS, and ACT interventions and centered in values of patience, humility, empathy, and humor. I strive to see you through the lens of your unique life experiences and to work collaboratively so we can effectively address your concerns. My hope is that, together, we can help you live a life that feels authentic and empowered. My experience working with young and emerging adults has allowed me to effectively support people in finding both a work-life balance and relief from stress. My areas of interest and specialization include working with anxiety, depression, interpersonal/relationship issues, grief, family-of-origin concerns, disordered eating, trauma, and self-acceptance. I'm committed to providing therapy to people of all races, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religion, and nationality. I work with adolescents and adults. I provide psychological assessments and individual or couples therapy in-person in San Francisco or online anywhere in California.

Update 8/25/24: I am still accepting new patients. Online video appointments for adult and adolescent patients throughout California. In network with Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Optum and Oxford. Private pay option also available.

Claudia is dually licensed as a psychotherapist and school counselor, obtaining her degrees from Howard University and DePaul University. Claudia developed Lifestyle Overhaul, Inc. with the intentions to celebrate all of our unique strengths. Her vision is to create a safe space where others can express their individuality and receive support through their journey of personal growth and development.

Hi, I’m Amanda. I work with individuals and couples who want to get to the root of their patterns—whether it’s relational conflict, trauma symptoms, anxiety, or a sense that something deeper is in the way of fully living. Many of my clients are high-functioning on the outside but exhausted internally. Others feel flooded, shut down, or stuck in dynamics they can’t quite name. I help you slow down and listen to the wisdom of your nervous system, so we can understand how past experiences may still be living in your body—and gently unwind them. My approach integrates EMDR, somatic therapy, parts work (IFS-informed), and body-based listening tools like the Safe and Sound or Rest and Restore Protocol. I also offer Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy for those seeking an altered state of consciousness to process trauma or reconnect with meaning. When working with couples, I draw from Relational Life Therapy to help partners move beyond blame and disconnection and into clarity, ownership, and renewed connection. I also offer Discernment Counseling which is a short term focused therapy for couples unsure whether to stay or separate—with compassion for both perspectives. Outside the therapy room, I spend as much time as I can outdoors—going on “bug hunts” with my son, hiking local trails with my husband, or exploring a new interest in horseback riding. I also love yoga, travel, and quiet mornings with coffee and books. If you’re ready to get curious about what your symptoms are trying to say—and want to feel more connected to yourself and your relationships—I’d be honored to support your journey.