Therapists for college students near University of Southern California

I became a therapist because I deeply believe in the power of healing, growth and change. Through my own experiences, I have come to understand the value and profound impact that compassionate support and a safe, nonjudgmental space can have on someone’s well-being. I knew I wanted to provide that for others—whether it’s through offering guidance, a listening ear, or the tools needed to overcome difficult moments. My approach to therapy is rooted in deep empathy, active listening, and respect for your unique experience. I am here to truly hear you—without judgment, without rushing to solutions. I believe in meeting you where you are, and I will always create a safe, open space where you feel comfortable expressing your thoughts and feelings. At the same time, part of feeling truly understood sometimes means gently challenging patterns or thoughts that may not be serving you or guiding you to the life you want to live. It’s my belief that this balance of listening deeply and challenging constructively is key to creating lasting change. Working together will be a collaborative partnership. I will be here to offer support and understanding, but also challenge you in ways that help you move forward. It’s a journey of mutual respect, trust, and deep care, and I’m committed to patiently walking alongside you through every step.

I am very easygoing and like to provide a relaxed, judgment-free space for my clients to talk about the issues (and successes) currently in their lives. I am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I have experience working with clients experiencing Trauma, Bi-Polar, Depression, Anxiety, and persistent mental illness and psychosis. My journey to mental healthcare Like many therapists who chose this path, I have some lived experience with family members who suffer from anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. I enjoy helping people find the light at the end of the tunnel and see themselves making improvements in their lives. Treatment can be brief (4-12 sessions) with a high focus on identifying the barriers preventing a better quality of life, and problem solving or learning new skills. Other times, treatment can be longer (several months) and more in-depth. It takes time to process how we got to this very spot, and reviewing our trauma and stressors. I enjoy using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help my clients learn to re-train their thought processes, so that they may find ways to independently identify and intervene in the negative, distorted thoughts that can sometimes rule their lives. My communication style I will always try my hardest to make my clients understand that I will never judge them. I am incredibly empathetic, humorous at time, but when necessary, I have to call out cycles of behavior that continue to hurt my clients. I try to approach all issues from an understanding perspective. My goals for you I enjoy collaborating with my clients on their goals. It's important that my clients buy into their goals, and typically that requires some partnership in the process. Our first session During our first session, I like to gather information on your past and then begin talking about what brings you to therapy. I like to know, if you've tried therapy before, what worked and what didn't? We will discuss diagnosis, goals and objectives, and the expected length of service anticipated to meet those goals.

Hello and Welcome! Are you a couple needing to strengthen communication, navigate conflict effectively, and break free from long‑standing gridlock? I’m Rocio Vaca, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 17 years of experience, and I help you deepen friendship, build emotional intimacy, and create shared meaning. Are you exploring your identity, preparing to come out, struggling with self‑acceptance, or navigating gender‑affirming care? Together, we can build healthy coping strategies, strengthen resilience, and address symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress while supporting a stronger sense of self. I help clients find relief from overwhelming thoughts, emotional exhaustion, & daily stress by identifying triggers, emotional regulation, & building coping skills. I also support children/ teens with OCD, trauma, low self‑esteem, & assertiveness challenges often from being bullied, helping them understand emotions/cognitions, build confidence & boundaries. I view therapy as a collaborative and individualized process—one that builds practical skills while fostering insight, emotional healing, and growth. Clients often describe my style as warm, grounded, and down‑to‑earth, creating a space where they feel supported, understood, and empowered throughout their therapeutic journey.

Let me guess…you want to learn to be kinder to yourself, regulate your feelings, put yourself first without guilt, and heal from a past that’s holding you back. You are struggling to feel “normal” and feel confused about how you got to where you are. You can admit that sometimes you’re harder on yourself than you deserve. That’s where I come in! I help teens, adults, and relationship structures explore their lives in order to improve their communication and strengthen their connections to themselves and their communities. I’m passionate about supporting my clients using systems theories, parts work, and EMDR to help them feel more capable of caring for themselves and move towards areas of pleasure in their lives. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, neurodivergence, confusion about life, sexual difficulties, relationship stress, or major life transitions, I’m ready to meet you where you’re at with warmth and care.

I currently have immediate openings for teletherapy and I also offer walk-and-talk sessions at the San Jose Rose Garden. I am licensed in both California and Texas. I have more than ten years of experience working with adolescents and young adults. I most frequently help my college-aged clients navigate the challenges of anxiety, depression, ADHD, executive dysfunction, giftedness, self-esteem and body image issues, relationships, grief, disordered eating, and trauma. I specialize in, and especially enjoy working with, ADHD, gifted persons, and college-aged young adults. As a private practice clinician since 2012, I take an affective, strengths based, approach to therapy. I practice cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems therapy, trauma-informed care, dialectical behavioral therapy, and mindfulness. I work with individuals and families, and I facilitate an LGBTQ+ inclusive group for college-aged young women and non-binary persons. My style of therapy is centered, relaxed, and collaborative. It is vital to my practice that clients know they are talking to a real human being, and my client-therapist relationships are built on mutual trust and safety. I believe that mental healthcare should be holistic. To get at the whole person, I like to explore the interplay between movement, nutrition, sleep, and time spent in nature. And because mental health impacts so much of our lives, I often advocate for my clients and help coordinate support with other academic and healthcare professionals. I strongly believe that mental healthcare should be accessible and easy to navigate for everyone. I welcome clients from all communities, backgrounds, and walks of life. Outside of my home office, I am an avid hiker and eater of takeout. I’m learning to surf, and my favorite part of every day is spending time with my sixteen-year-old wiener dog.

Living life as a human can be really hard sometimes. Maybe you’ve been feeling depressed for a while and haven’t been able to find a way out of it. Maybe anxiety has been holding you back from really showing up in your life the way you want to for too long. Maybe you’re feeling stuck in life, have lost your sense of purpose, or can’t seem to find your path. Whatever it is that brings you here, we’re happy you found us. We are located in Riverside, CA for in person sessions and offer telehealth session throughout California and Colorado. We are passionate about helping you create a life worth living. We work with people on a diverse range of issues, such as depression, anxiety, lack of fulfillment, life transitions, relationship issues, family issues, career challenges, work/life balance, grief, personal growth and LGBTQ issues. We know how hard being a human can be. Whatever challenge you are facing, we’re here to help you navigate it authentically with presence, integrity, and intention.

Promoting a healthy mental health in society is what inspires me. As a proud Latina Clinical Social Worker, I bring my cultural heritage and professional expertise to empower individuals in their healing journey ensuring they feel seen, understood, and supported. I strive to provide a supportive and affirming environment. I understand that every individual has unique needs. I ensure to assess and explore which modalities and treatment would serve most effective. I believe healing is not linear, but living a life with a better quality can be possible with the right support and direction. Creating a strong therapeutic alliance is of the upmost importance in therapy. Having a strong alliance is like having a strong foundation in a house, with a strong foundation any strong house can be built. I develop trust, rapport, connection and unconditional support striving to be the best therapist for my clients.

College can feel like a lot. You may be dealing with stress, anxiety, pressure to perform, relationship issues, or just feeling overwhelmed and not like yourself. I’m Susan Farber, a licensed marriage and family therapist with more than 25 years of experience. I work with college students to help you feel more in control of your thoughts, emotions, and reactions so you can function better day to day. My approach is practical and supportive. I use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with mind–body techniques to help you manage anxiety, improve focus, and regulate stress. You’ll learn tools you can actually use—whether it’s getting through exams, handling social or relationship stress, or dealing with burnout. You don’t have to have everything figured out to start therapy. If something feels off, overwhelming, or too much to carry on your own, this is a space to sort it out and get back to feeling more like yourself. I offer in-person sessions in Santa Barbara and Solvang, as well as telehealth throughout California.

Hi there, I'm Ollie! I'm an LMFT that provides psychotherapy to adolescents, adults and couples. I specialize in ADHD, Autism, and other neurodivergent diagnoses. I have a second Master's in School Psychology, and have worked testing and diagnosing in the school system for years. My training in both of these areas allows me to help individuals better navigate a world that can feel incredibly frustrating at times (okay, probably a lot of the time). Whether you suspect you may have ADHD or other neurodivergent symptoms, or have been diagnosed for years, I am here to help daily life become more manageable.

Dr. Bruett provides warm, compassionate, collaborative care that is backed by science, and loves working with college and graduate students. She has specialized training in cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness, exposure and response prevention, emotion focused family therapy, and other evidence-based practices. She provides care to individual of all backgrounds and identities. She is licensed in Massachusetts and California.

Greetings from Frank Smith, LMFT. Let me offer a truism: whether positive or negative, most behavior is learned. Behavior often results in patterns. Those patterns can be positive and life affirming. But they can also be maladaptive and impact our happiness and relationships. Do you wonder why can't you break these destructive patterns? I can help you unravel where they came from. Let me be your psychological navigator to help you let go of the past and have a better and more fullling life.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of work experience across a variety of treatment settings including community based agencies, schools and medical facilities, with individuals and groups across the life span. Prior to becoming a licensed therapist, I worked for over a decade as a Medical Social Worker providing therapeutic interventions to patients with chronic illness who were dealing with the challenges of everyday life compounded by the weight of their illness. It was with this experience that I discovered my passion in helping clients struggling with depression and anxiety and that which propelled me into clinical practice. My therapy style is client-centered and strengths-based as well as collaborative and experimental. I use a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and Psycho-education in my approach with clients. I look forward to partnering with you to help you through the difficult transitions in your life.

The Norooz Clinic Foundation is a non-profit public service and educational organization established in October of 2012. Norooz is a Farsi word meaning new day and a new beginning. At the Norooz Clinic Foundation, we strive to assist those who walk through our doors with their journey of discovery to find their new day, their rebirth, through mental health and wellness. The Norooz Clinic Foundation focuses on building and maintaining healthy relationships by identifying common struggles and providing new ways to approach them with success. We teach our clients effective skills and tools in order to give them alternative ways to think about daily problems and stressors and overcome them with more ease and balance.

My role as a therapist is to support you in exploring your personal story and observing your inner experiences. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space using warmth, humor and gentle awareness for you to feel accepted and understood. I use narrative, solution focused, and mindfulness techniques to collaborate with you. This approach allows you to reauthor your story with compassion and insight, drawing from your strengths and values to cultivate resilience.

Evidence-based therapy for young adults with OCD, trauma, anxiety, or insomnia. Are you having difficulty with worries or fears that just won't go away? Do you feel tense and wish you could just slow down and enjoy life more? You’ve tried to address your anxiety but it just won't budge. You’re really ready for more freedom from the pattern you feel stuck in. I am here to help you break that pattern. My years of specialized experience and use of research-backed techniques help people like you regain control over your anxiety. The therapy I offer is strongly rooted in research while at the same time tailored to your unique needs and goals. Visit my website to learn more about the specialized help I offer!

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.

Hello! I’m a licensed Clinical Social Worker therapist, licensed in both California and Washington State. I offer telehealth video sessions for young adults. My therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, and empowering. My goal is to create a safe, caring, non-judgmental, and strength-based approach for you to process your emotions. As a therapist, I utilize a variety of different therapeutic interventions to customize treatment to meet my clients' needs. I love empowering my clients to leave therapy feeling proud of the work they have done, and confident and capable in their next stage of life.I truly listen to my clients, openly, honestly, and without judgment. I love to tell them what they need to hear, not what they want to hear. I feel homework is a critical and crucial part of treatment, and it helps to solidify our discussions.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

College life is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. Between academics, relationships, family pressures, and figuring out who you are, it’s easy to feel stressed, anxious, or alone. Maybe you're struggling with a breakup, grieving someone you’ve lost, feeling disconnected from friends, or just totally burnt out. Maybe you’re questioning your path or feeling like no one really “gets” what you're going through. These moments can feel heavy—but you don’t have to carry them on your own. Reaching out for support isn’t a weakness—it’s a powerful step toward growth and clarity. I'm here to help you tap into your strengths, make sense of the challenges you're facing, and start building the kind of life and relationships that actually feel good and grounded. I specialize in working with college students, young adults, and teens—and I’m passionate about helping you navigate this messy, meaningful chapter of your life. In our work together, you’ll find a space where you can be honest, feel heard, and take real steps toward feeling more confident, connected, and at peace. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, grief, academic stress, identity questions, or relationship struggles, I’m here to walk alongside you. If you’re ready for something to shift, I invite you to reach out. You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.

I offer individual and couples therapy to college/graduate students and young professionals. My approach is collaborative, strengths-based, LGBTQ affirming, and trauma-informed. I believe that my clients are the expert on their own lives, while I am there as a witness, a source of support, and a toolbox of techniques and strategies.