Therapists for college students near UCLA

If anxiety, depression, stress, ADHD, or the adjustment to college life have you feeling like you're doing everything right and still not okay, you're not alone. In our sessions, we slow down and look at what's underneath — including how your identity, culture, gender, and the world around you shape what you're going through. Together we work toward feeling more like yourself — building the kind of quiet confidence that comes from knowing your own values, whether that's navigating independence for the first time, family expectations that don't match what you want for yourself, or figuring out academics, career direction, or what comes next. If this resonates, reach out.

Santa Cruz Therapy Collective (SCTC) is a place for support, healing, and growth. We understand what you’re going through: work burnout, childhood trauma, panic, family distress, sadness. As a group of experienced colleagues who have worked together for years, we have numerous specialties, making sure you connect to a therapist who understands and can help you overcome your struggles. We’re trained in science-backed techniques that help you become more mindful, reflective, and connected as you build resilience, manage distress, and feel more fulfilled. As a therapy client at SCTC, you’ll have engaging, thought-provoking sessions that give you clarity, perspective, and self-compassion.

I am inspired to work in the field of mental health care because of my passion for fostering meaningful change in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. My dedication to helping individuals build on their strengths and navigate challenges allows me to empower them to heal, grow, and thrive. Guided by empathy, I aim to create a space where people can feel understood and supported in their journey toward better mental health. To ensure clients feel heard and understood in sessions, I create a safe, non-judgmental space where they can express themselves openly. I approach each session with empathy, active listening, and cultural humility, tailoring my support to honor the unique experiences of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ2+ individuals, low-income families, children, adolescents, and trauma survivors. By validating their feelings, recognizing their strengths, and fostering trust, I help clients feel truly understood and supported throughout their journey. I build trust and a strong therapeutic alliance by creating a warm, non-judgmental, and compassionate environment where clients feel safe to share their experiences. I honor each client’s unique strengths, values, and goals, fostering a sense of partnership and mutual respect. This approach helps establish a strong foundation for meaningful growth and healing, allowing clients to feel supported and understood throughout the therapeutic process.

Anxious, Overwhelmed, and Wondering: “What’s Happening to Me?” The truth is, this isn't laziness. It’s not a character flaw. And no — you're not broken. For many people with ADHD and anxiety, this cycle of procrastination, panic, and self-criticism becomes so normal, you don’t realize how deeply it’s running your life. You’re doing your best to hold it all together on the outside… but inside, it’s chaos. If you're a young, career-driven person who’s always been the “high achiever” or “the one who figures it out,” this moment of burnout can feel like hitting a wall — and not knowing how to get around it. Therapy That Helps You Live Without the Constant Inner Critic You don’t need more worksheets. Or another morning routine from Instagram. You need real connection — and some space to breathe. In our work together, therapy won’t feel like another task to complete or a performance to nail. It’ll feel like a break. A breath of fresh air. A place where sarcasm, humor, and being 100% yourself are not just allowed — they’re welcome. I help people like you: smart, creative, driven individuals who are so tired of anxiety and ADHD running the show. Together, we’ll start untangling the thoughts that keep you in panic mode and help you reconnect to yourself — the self that isn’t always in survival mode.

⯌Premarital & couples therapy ⯌Attachment based dating & parenting ⯌Codependency & emotional maturity ⯌Personal work for therapists ⯌Grief & loss, life stage transitions ⯌Trauma & EMDR therapy ⯌Anorexia, bulimia, & binge eating ⯌Adult children of alcoholics/addicts ⯌Internet & video game addiction ⯌Sexual addiction & sex worker regret Welcome! Our focus is on how difficult issues like mental illness and relationship conflict are influenced by your family of origin and early attachment experiences with your parents. Sessions with us are focused on learning the lessons that you should have gotten from your family. Combined therapy sessions with Bernard & Priscilla available now! This is an innovative method where the treating clinicians are themselves a married couple. This approach includes the perspectives from multiple professionals to address your goals in a highly specialized setting, and can reduce clients’ perceptions of bias from the therapist. We are providing services through telehealth video, and in person in Mission Valley, San Diego. For inquiries, please use email for initial contact and include a brief description of your primary concern and goals. We can then arrange a free video consultation to determine if we are a good fit and discuss next steps!

We believe that you are the expert in your own life, and we are here to create a therapeutic environment that fosters real positive changes. It is our goal to assist you in becoming your best and most authentic self. Because of the uniqueness of the human experience we don't believe in a one size fits all model of therapy, therefore we tailor treatment specifically designed to meet your own unique goals and challenges.

What inspired me to become a therapist is my belief that it’s never too late to make meaningful changes in life. My own path to becoming an LMFT began in my mid-30s, which gives me a personal understanding of how powerful growth and change can be at any stage. Since becoming licensed in 2010, I’ve enjoyed supporting people through challenges such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, life transitions, LGBTQIA+ concerns, and women’s issues. In our work together, my goal is to help you feel heard, understood, and supported. I believe you are the expert on your own life, and I work collaboratively with you to explore what’s getting in the way of the life you want. I often use tools from Solution-Focused Therapy, mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you gain insight, build skills, and feel empowered to make changes. Building trust is an important part of the process. In the first few sessions, I focus on getting to know you, answering any questions you have about therapy, and creating a safe, supportive space where you can speak openly. Seeking therapy takes courage, and my goal is to create a respectful and collaborative environment where we can work together toward your goals. A lighthearted detail I sometimes share is that I really enjoy all forms of entertainment, especially movies, TV, listening to music and going to live music events. It helps me recharge and stay grounded, and it’s something that often resonates with people who are also looking for ways to care for their well-being.

Hello! I love supporting young adults navigate the stressors of college and life changes! If you are feeling the effects of depression, anxiety, coping with chronic medical conditions, difficulties in relationships, trauma, fear, anger, guilt, grief or loss, we will work as a team to explore your concerns and work towards making positive changes in your life. Beginning or continuing your therapeutic growth and journey does not need to be an intimidating process, but one in which ultimate support, healing and connection is found. It is my goal to provide a collaborative experience of working together to create growth and change in a safe and supportive environment to help you meet your goals, discover your inner strengths and lead a more fulfilling life. If you are in a season of searching, self-exploration, and in need of brainstorming new solutions, you have already taken the bravest step! I am here to help you explore, heal, and work towards finding the meaning that you seek. The relationship between therapist and client is one of the most crucial elements for the success of therapy. It is SO important to find someone that feels right for your needs and who understands you! Don't hesitate to contact me for a free 15- 20 minute phone consultation where we can discuss and explore your personal needs and goals for therapy.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I do this work because I am committed to liberation for all people. I believe that none of us are free until ALL of us are free. I am a queer and nonbinary therapist who brings a queer and intersectional lens to my work. I specialize in holding space for life transitions and know how to act as a guide to your personal revelations. I prioritize trauma informed care, and I have been told that I know how to hold a strong container for clients to discover their own inner wisdom and knowing. As survivor of trauma and Intimate Partner Violence, I specialize in helping clients find and trust their own intuition. I have lived experience as a queer and nonbinary person who came out later in life. I am trained in Internal Family Systems (Level 1) and EMDR. I've been doing my own IFS work for 4 years and firmly believe that at the core of every human being is the desire to heal. Fat-friendly, kink and polyamory informed. You already know the way! You have innate wisdom born out of your experiences and intuition. I'm here to help you learn to trust yourself and to be a compassionate witness to your self-discovery. However you show up in session is ok: you don't have to mask or sit still. I meet clients where they are with warmth and curiosity.

Hi there! My name is Lucia Fernandez and I've been practicing for over 13 years now. I specialize in healthy anxiety, depression from a trauma informed lens and utilizing strengths to empower you through move through areas that make you feel stuck. I supervise MFT interns both in my practice and in the school system. I have provided crisis counseling and work with students and adults with high needs who are struggling with functioning in day to day life. I'm relatable and utilize a humanistic approach to help you feel at ease by considering your individual needs. My treatment approach is customizable to meet your mental health needs.

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.

Are you struggling to feel connected to an authentic and confidence sense of self? Do you often feel lonely, bored, or empty even though you have things in your life that should be bringing you fulfillment? Do you feel paralyzed by uncertainty or having to make decisions in your life? Maybe it seems that all areas of your life are being impacted by the internal chaos you are experiencing? I believe that happiness shouldn't be this hard, that there is a reason that you are struggling. Understanding the underlying reasons for your current symptoms, and the beliefs that formed them, can help you to make changes to your current life. I have 10+ yrs of experience as a trauma-informed expert in eating disorders and body image issues. I have extensive experience with a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, OCD, LGBTQIA+, infertility, trauma, grief, etc. I am certified in ERP for OCD and Lifespan Integration Therapy for Trauma. My approach is based primarily on CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy), DBT (dialectal behavioral therapy), and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy). I utilize attachment based theory to look at patterns and family dynamics from the past to better understand the present. "Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.” Dalai Lama

My ideal client is someone that’s ready to delve deeper. This person may be struggling to get out of bed or may be overwhelmed by their thoughts. Perhaps these habits impact their motivation or energy levels. This person may notice that their self-doubt interferes with their goals and overall meaning in life. My specialties include depression, and anxiety. My goal is to create a safe and non-judgmental space so that you can learn to cope with difficult feelings, and develop a sense of confidence in yourself. I have successfully worked with athletes and their performance anxiety. One of my favorite parts about working with clients is seeing their own resilience, their ability to witness their own capabilities. It's meaningful to work alongside my clients and to provide them with the skills to work through whatever challenges come their way. If you feel as though my approach fits with you, I'd love to chat over the phone. My therapeutic approach is psychodynamic and relational, meaning that my focus is not on symptom-reduction. Instead, our work together is long-term, delving deeper into childhood wounds and how these present themselves today. This work might take two to three years. Of course, this may vary from individual to individual. Because psychotherapy is based on trust, meeting on a weekly-basis is key. I am excited that you are open to making this commitment to yourself and to the therapeutic process. Groups Offered: Setting Boundaries With Others, Mindfulness For Those Who Are Skeptical About Meditation, Identifying & Expressing Emotions.

While therapy can be challenging to face, I try to make the process as easy as possible, hopefully even enjoyable. I enjoy working with adult individuals and couples who are curious about themselves, introspective/reflective and interested in personal growth and identity development. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 19 years of experience working with individuals/couples/families. My training has been heavily focused on helping people work through relationship issues and overcome feelings of anxiety, depression and grief/loss. I have also worked extensively w/individuals working through addiction recovery. Because I believe it is important to utilize the quickest yet most effective treatment, the treatment modalities I use are tailored to the individual and their unique needs. I like to see patients experience relief, empowerment, and personal growth as quickly as possible, yet without compromising the therapeutic process. It is important to me that individuals can easily and conveniently obtain the help they need in order to maintain continuity of care. For this reason, I am available to meet via secure video conferencing platforms if needed.

I've worked with parents in the Sacramento area for 2 decades now, but as my own children have grown into young adults I have also made a shift into working with college students of any age. I'm not sure whether it's an openness to learning that extends to person growth, my ability to relate to the challenges of academia, or what exactly makes the relationship so successful, but I have found it to be mutually beneficial to the students I work with. I use an eclectic approach of mindfulness, psychodynamic, and CBT to balance short term immediate benefits with long term personal growth.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I support clients who are navigating ADHD, OCD, anxiety, and depression, and I integrate practical strategies for emotional regulation, motivation, and executive functioning. Sessions with me may include skill-building, mindset shifts, medication support when beneficial, and space to process your experiences at your own pace.

Are you struggling in your current relationships? You’ve noticed you put other people’s needs first, are unable to say “no” even when it hurts, get attached too quickly and worry people will leave you. If this is you, together we can explore, understand, and navigate the challenges that you’re currently facing in your relationships. You will learn how to set boundaries and learn skills that will help improve your self-esteem. Know that you're not alone.

If you are feeling stuck, disconnected, or having trouble coping with anxiety or depression, you are not alone. You may be struggling to find balance in your life, or noticing that attachment and trauma from childhood is impacting you presently. Perhaps you recently lost a loved one, are navigating a new chapter of life that has you feeling anxious, or just feel like you are stuck in a rut and need someone to talk to. I work with adults and teens/adolescents on addressing anxiety and depression, unpacking past experiences, improving emotional regulation, building healthy boundaries with loved ones, healthy self-esteem, and more. As a therapist, I provide a challenge-support environment where I encourage you to reflect and explore your values while providing empathy, warmth, and humor. Therapy can be scary because we are asked to go outside our comfort zones, but growth stems from change. I utilize a myriad of theoretical approaches to find a style that works best for you. For LGBTQIA+ identifying individuals, I provide gender and sexuality affirming therapy and can work with you on identity exploration, navigating queer relationships, or coping with the impact of stigma, discrimination, and bias. My therapy office is an accepting and safe space for queer folk.