Therapists for college students near UCLA

Hi, I’m Emily, a licensed professional counselor, licensed in California, Colorado, and Wisconsin, with a passion for supporting neurodivergent individuals of all ages. I earned my counseling degree from the University of Northern Colorado and completed my undergraduate studies at The Ohio State University. My experience spans private practice, school counseling, and working with military families, giving me a deep understanding of the unique challenges people face at different stages of life. Advocacy and inclusivity are at the heart of my work, and I take a neurodivergent affirming, client-centered approach, which integrates social-emotional learning and evidence-based interventions to foster resilience and personal growth. I believe that healing happens through connection, and my goal is to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel empowered to explore, grow, and thrive. Whether you’re beginning therapy for the first time or looking for a new therapeutic connection, I’m here to walk alongside you with curiosity, compassion, and a collaborative spirit. If you’re ready to take the next step, I’d be honored to connect with you.

Hi! My name is Dr. Ben Ross, & I’m a clinical psychologist (PSY32948). I practice individual and couple psychotherapy in Orange County, CA. I work with people 14+ struggling with a range of difficulties including but not limited to anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, phase of life issues, relationship concerns, mood instability, individuation and identity formation, and personality disturbances. I'm also interested in supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community, artists and creatives, musicians struggling with music performance anxiety, and young adults forging their path in life. I strive to foster a relational therapeutic environment in which my patients have an outlet to express parts of their mind that they have not yet put to words. Expression of these inner thoughts and feelings can facilitate relief from stress that can otherwise manifest in painful psychological and physiological symptoms. This process can make way for meaningful transformations to occur.

At Coastal Minds, our mission is to offer an inviting and perpetually safe place to be, regardless of who you are. Above all, we do this by welcoming you just as you are: no judgment, no criticism, no standards to meet or uphold. In a world where you often have to be someone or something else, this is a place where you can show up and be really, truly you.

Taking the courageous step to seek support is a powerful act of self-care and strength. It’s a recognition that you deserve compassion, understanding, and guidance, no matter how overwhelming life’s challenges may feel. You don’t have to navigate your struggles alone, together, we can create a safe and welcoming space where you feel truly seen, heard, and supported. I deeply respect the uniqueness of each person’s journey, and I am here to meet you exactly where you are. Whether you’re feeling lost, searching for clarity, or striving to grow into the person you aspire to be. I specialize in working collaboratively with my clients to create personalized treatment plans that address their unique challenges and goals. My approach encompasses a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, marital issues, and stress management. Together, we’ll chart a path toward healing, growth, and meaningful change My mission is to help you uncover the strengths you already possess, develop practical and effective coping skills, and create a life that reflects what truly matters most to you. You deserve a life filled with purpose, resilience, and fulfillment—one that aligns with your unique values and aspirations. I’m here, ready to support you whenever you feel ready.

Are you surviving — or actually thriving? I became a therapist so I could help people thrive instead of just surviving. I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 13 years of experience helping adults heal from trauma, manage ADHD, break painful relational patterns, and reconnect with who they truly are. I specialize in working with the BIPOC community, college students, first-generation professionals, women navigating major life transitions, high-achieving adults who feel stuck despite their success, and adults with ADHD who are tired of being misunderstood. I am also one of the few LCSWs certified in financial social work — bringing a unique understanding of how money stress, financial trauma, and ADHD intersect with mental health. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to you. I draw from trauma-focused therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), CBT, ACT, and psychodynamic therapy — always meeting you where you are. Reaching out is the first act of self-care. I offer telehealth exclusively, serving adults in California, New York, New Jersey, and Florida. ¡Se habla español!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Life is often full of surprises, ups and downs, and unexpected challenges. In times of struggles and uncertainties, it takes a tremendous amount of courage and strength to reach out for help and experience positive transformation. As a first generation Chinese American, I experienced first-hand the challenges of relational brokenness and intergenerational trauma. Through my own healing journey, I had to unpack the roots of my inner critic and learn how to cultivate a healthier relationship with myself and others. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with people from all walks of life, which has deepened my commitment to creating a compassionate space where healing can happen. It is my hope that we can collaborate and work through the pains of life and create a life that you have envisioned. In my clinical work, I specialize in working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, unresolved emotional injuries, AAPI/BIPOC mental health, intergenerational and relational trauma. I approach my clinical work through an attachment-based and trauma-informed framework. I often utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) in my clinical work and tailor my treatment to each person’s unique journey.

I became a therapist because I saw the impacts it can have on people to not have a space to feel safe and seen. Life can come with challenges that set us off course, and it can feel isolating to experience those challenges without a roadmap. My hope is to provide a space to navigate life’s challenges safely, and develop a tool kit to manage whatever life may throw your way. Our work together is ultimately a collaboration, we discuss your values and needs and will create goals that align with them. I encourage ongoing feedback during sessions, discussion of what is working and not working, and make sure to provide a space where your needs come first. I acknowledge that it takes time to build trust in any relationship, including a therapeutic relationship. I build trust by focusing on you as a whole person, letting you set the pace and meeting you where you are at. I want to get to know your strengths, interests, and values. I utilize metaphors and examples that break down issues that feel bigger than you can handle to create a sense of safety in our sessions. I have two cats who you may see glimpses of during our sessions, whether it be through a blob stretching in my background or their tail popping in to the frame.

I’m passionate about working with children and young adults, especially those who are queer, neurodivergent, and/or Asian American. College is a major life transition, and I'm here to help ease the stress and anxiety that tends to come with it! In our work together, I will draw on play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and traditional psychotherapy approaches to best fit your treatment needs and goals. I practice from a trauma-informed, anti-carceral framework where the most important thing is that you are your own expert. I hope to foster growth in emotional regulation, self-awareness, and self-esteem so you can express yourself freely and live as you want to be seen.

My training exposed me to a wide range of therapeutic approaches, and I have worked with clients with major psychiatric diagnoses (7 years working in a subacute facility) and those with common anxiety and depression (decades of work life). I have long experience with university students dealing with the challenges of adjusting to overwhelming work demands and learning to navigate unfamiliar social environments. Many clients have felt that they don't make friends easily or fit in with groups. And some clients are generally insecure about whether they can succeed at a nationally rated academic institution (impostor syndrome). I work to understand what issues are most important to my clients and help them learn ways to be more comfortable with themselves and to succeed in their personal, romantic, family, socioeconomic, and academic or work circumstances. Every person has their own background and their own challenges, so everyone needs an individualized treatment. Clients with Asperger syndrome often benefit from help in dealing with social interactions and with sometimes overwhelming anxiety. Immigrants (and also people coming from remote parts of the US) may find local customs and styles unfamiliar and find help with meeting new friends and colleagues. As an immigrant myself (from Sweden), I know well what it feels like to be an outsider and have learned ways to help people adjust to new environments and different expectations. This experience has also allowed me to help many with an LGBTQ background in their family, romantic, and work interactions. Too many in our world are dealing with the after-effects of trauma in its varied forms, and finding ways to move forward and to enjoy normal relationships can be lifesaving. As a background for many clients, home experiences with one's family of origin can set the stage for ongoing unhappiness and failed romantic relationships, and this should not be a permanent obstacle to a satisfying and fulfilling life.

Many of the people I work with have spent a long time feeling like they're just trying to get through each day. They may be overwhelmed by anxiety, stuck in repetitive thoughts or behaviors, carrying the weight of past experiences, or feeling disconnected from themselves and the people they care about. Some have experienced trauma that continues to affect their relationships, confidence, or sense of safety, while others find themselves caught in cycles of fear, self-doubt, or uncertainty. You don't have to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Whether you're struggling with the effects of a difficult past, feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, or finding that your thoughts and emotions are interfering with the life you want to live, therapy can provide a space to better understand what you're experiencing and begin moving toward meaningful change. I strive to create a supportive, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment where you can feel heard, respected, and understood. Together, we'll work at a pace that feels right for you, focusing on your goals and helping you build greater confidence, resilience, and hope for the future.

I conduct psychoeducational evaluations to assess children and adults for Learning Disabilities including Dyslexia, Attention/ADHD, Executive Functioning, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Giftedness, Depression, Anxiety, and other educationally relevant mental health concerns. Comprehensive evaluations may include assessing a student's cognitive functioning, processing abilities, academic achievement, social/emotional functioning, and/or adaptive behavior. Psychoeducational evaluations for adults are conducted on those who may need support within higher education, in the workplace or to seek employment, and with high-stakes professional exams. Comprehensive evaluations allow us to identify needs and areas of concern, as well as highlight areas of strength. They allow us to best determine a student's learning profile and what supports they may need to access their education, which is why assessment is a crucial first step. Please reach out for your assessment and consultation needs.

I am a young adult & child and adolescent psychiatrist who specialize in working with college students. I think of my patients in a holistic way- using medications, lifestyle interventions, and talk therapy. I was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, and spent my childhood in Irvine. I completed most of my education on the east coast. I went to Johns Hopkins and double majored in history and public health. After college, I attended the University of Maryland for medical school. After living in Baltimore for eight years, I wanted a change of scenery and moved to New Hampshire to complete my residency training at Dartmouth. During my training at Dartmouth, I had opportunities to work with high-achieving teens and families who attended Dartmouth College with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, and perfectionism issues. After surviving long winter storms, I returned to my hometown and completed the child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at UC Irvine. I have a passion for and experience working with college students, Asian American families, and teens with LGBT backgrounds. In my free time, I like to hike, run, and kayak. Coffee is my favorite drink, and I make pour-overs every morning. As a first-generation Korean American immigrant myself, I have understood what immigrant or second-generation students go through in college and the pressures of balancing academics and family expectations. I also enjoy working with patients to explore their identities, including gender issues, sexual orientation, religion, and careers. I am double board-certified in adult and child & adolescent psychiatry.

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly—what is essential is invisible to the eye” (The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry). As a therapist, I work to see people with my heart and hold a hopeful space of unconditional compassion and empathy. As a trauma survivor with personal experiences in therapy, I’m aware of how vulnerable and uncertain starting with a new therapist can be. I honor the courage and openness it takes to begin any healing process. Creating safety in the therapeutic relationship is essential to me. I believe everyone has the capacity for healing already within them, and I work to empower people to connect with themselves and their unique strengths. I believe we are relational beings, and our different experiences with attachment can have profound effects on us. I value flexibility and creativity in my therapeutic style, and I draw from and integrate diverse approaches to discover what resonates with each different person. It is important to me to be intentional and considerate when holding space for culture and how different forces of marginalization affect mental health, and I work to be culturally responsive and attuned. My approach is continuously curious and trauma-informed, and one of my many passions is affirmatively supporting people around intergenerational trauma and attachment wounds. As a therapist and a human being, I try to embody a tree. This means moving slow, breathing deep, and being grounded enough to nourish connection. My favorite place on earth is the old growth forest! I also love to surf and meditate, and I appreciate breathwork and somatic/body-based techniques along my own healing path. I’ve been working in mental health for about thirteen years. I received my bachelor’s degree in English from University of California, Santa Barbara, and I finished my master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at California State University, Long Beach, where I also started writing poems for people on an old typewriter. I view therapy as a poetic process where someone gets to tell their story and shape its continuation to best honor their soul. We all need to be heard, seen, and believed in, and as a therapist, I work to cultivate this heartfelt connection.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hello! I specialize in rapidly clearing anxiety and depression issues, as well as self-esteem and procrastination. I specialize in a type of treatment called EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), a method scientifically proven to release all kinds of psychological disturbance, negative belief systems, and dysfunctional behaviors, quickly and efficiently. I love working with students from all backgrounds and diversities. I only work remotely, via GoogleMeet.

Deep within, I believe everyone holds the keys to a life of profound meaning and joy. By discerning their dreams and charting their personal journeys, my clients unlock doors to lives they cherish all the more. In the wise words of Carl Jung, 'Man's task is to become conscious of the contents that press upward from the unconscious.

College life in Hawaiʻi can bring unique pressures- balancing school, work, family responsibilities, finances, and expectations while trying to care for your own well-being. If you’ve been feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stuck, or emotionally drained, you’re not alone. I offer compassionate counseling support for students seeking a space to breathe, reflect, and move forward with greater clarity and support.

You’re trying to find your footing after a major loss, a breakup, or a life transition that’s turned everything upside down. Whatever has led you here, one thing is likely true: something has shifted and you’re left trying to make sense of it. I offer a space to process the complex layers of change including grief, transition, and identity exploration. You may be holding the weight of a loss while also trying to figure out who you are and where you’re going. That’s a heavy lift. In our work, we’ll explore how your past has shaped you, how your values can guide you, and how to build a life that both honors what you’ve lost and allows you to stay connected to hope. Through compassion, insight, and gentle challenge, I’ll help you rediscover your worth and reconnect with the parts of yourself you’ve missed. This work is personal to me. My own experiences with grief and therapy are what led me here, and they give me a lived understanding of what it’s like to rebuild after loss—not from a textbook, but from my own life. I’m not here to lead from a distance. I’m here to be with you through the work, honoring your process while drawing from what I’ve learned in my own journey. If you’re feeling lost, isolated, or unsure where to start, I want you to know—you don’t have to figure it all out alone. I’d be honored to walk alongside you. Text, call, or email today and let's take that first step together.

I utilize education on how the brain, nervous system, and body (stomach) are connected, therefore normalizing and reducing shame. I also teach mindfulness, coping tools, and DBT/CBT skills that can empower the client and reduce symptoms that are interrupting well-being. I create a safe session by normalizing old schema and educating that there are no bad parts developed and work on embracing through IFS therapy. I recognize and support the strengths of the client that they may be unaware of, which is really beneficial as well. I listen and create understanding about how old schema was a necessary protection when young and the brain wasn’t fully developed. I validate that the familiar way of thinking and acting that is no longer working, and make take time to improve through practice.