Therapists for college students near University of Southern California
For over 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting children, adolescents, adults, families, and athletes through life’s challenges. From working with at-risk youth and facilitating therapy groups to providing individual psychotherapy and supporting athletes through injury and transition, I’ve witnessed the incredible resilience people carry — even during difficult seasons If you’re feeling disconnected from yourself, navigating identity shifts, recovering from injury, or carrying the impact of past experiences, you’re not alone. As a former collegiate and semi-professional athlete, I understand how deeply identity, performance, trauma, and physical experiences can shape how we see ourselves and relate to our bodies. You deserve a space where all parts of that story are welcome. My specialization is in Somatic Psychotherapy and Exercise and Sport Performance. This approach recognizes the powerful connection between mind and body. Together, we’ll increase awareness of how your body responds to stress and emotion, helping you build trust in your intuition, develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself, and feel more grounded and confident. I aim to create a supportive, collaborative therapeutic space where we work at your pace, build on your strengths, and develop coping strategies aligned with your values. My goal is to help you feel empowered in your healing process and more grounded in your everyday life.
We are an outpatient practice specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy for anxiety, stress, and related problems. We provide cutting edge, empirically supported treatments in a warm, empathic environment. We currently offer treatment for stress, anxiety, panic, agoraphobia, OCD, PTSD, social anxiety, phobias, medical conditions, life transitions, and other life difficulties resulting from these problems. Our therapy is solution-focused and helps clients reach their full potential and improve quality of life. Unlike generalist providers, our therapists have specialized training in CBT, ACT, and anxiety & related disorders.
Paula Zuccaro is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist. Paula was born and grew up on her family’s ranch in Western South Dakota. She relishes spending time with her family-- especially her grandchildren and three dogs. Paula is an avid runner and enjoys barrel racing, working on a quarter horse program, and traveling. After earning her BSN from Mount Marty College and MSN in Nursing from the University of Phoenix, Paula continued on to obtain her FNP and PMHNP certifications from University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Paula retired from Indian Health Service after 23 years of service. She has practiced in a variety of mental health care settings, including inpatient, outpatient, crisis care, jail, juvenile detention center, detox program, eating disorder center, nursing home, and telemedicine. In 2006, Paula was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Additionally, she received the 2010 Nurse Practitioner State Award for Excellence and Certificate of Appreciation from the Colorado Medical Detachment Army National Guard for her time spent with medical students during their mental health rotation. She’s been a presenter at the American Psychiatric Association Annual meeting and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry on the topic of Telepsychiatry.
Kate Rifkin, LMHC (pronouns she/her/hers) offers individual mental health counseling sessions for adults (18+) to provide a safe space where folks are able to freely explore their thoughts, feelings, concerns, and goals in a non-judgmental space. She takes an individualized, holistic, and integrative approach to therapy, that draws upon cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and multicultural-based therapies. Kate has expertise and interest in working with athletes, young professionals, college students, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Hi, I’m Jennie Denney, AMFT — and I’m really glad you’re here! College can be overwhelming—especially when you’re carrying more than just school stress. If you’re dealing with self-harm, anxiety, identity questions, religious trauma, or just trying to hold it all together, you don’t have to figure it out alone. I specialize in working with teens and young adults who feel stuck, misunderstood, or disconnected from themselves or the people around them. My therapy style is warm, honest, and collaborative. I won’t sit back and nod—I’ll show up with you, offer tools, ask questions, and help you make sense of your story. In our work together, you can expect a space where nothing is “too much,” and where your experiences are taken seriously. Healing isn’t about being perfect—it’s about getting curious, finding your voice, and learning how to care for yourself in new ways.
If you are feeling stuck, isolated and overwhelmed, talking to a professional can help view the situation from a new perspective and find solutions. I am here to help you answer such questions as: “Why did this happen to me?”, “Why does it keep happening to me?” and more importantly, “How do I make my life better?” Getting to know yourself is the hardest yet the most rewarding journey in life. And I believe it is the key to changing it. I will gently help you process your experiences to help you feel lighter, have more self-acceptance, and feel better about who you are and your future. In my practice I use psychodynamic theory and relational approach, I emphasize the role of early childhood environments in shaping our personality, life trajectory, and our relationships. Together we will unpack the ways you might have dealt with difficult situations in the past that now may be holding you back and will find more effective ways to navigate them. My personal experiences of navigating a shift to a more fulfilling career and moving globally help me connect with folks in a unique way. I work with career and relationship issues, inter-generational trauma, health issues stemming from imbalances in life, and multi-cultural relationships. Reach out to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit.
**ALL SESSIONS CURRENTLY PROVIDED VIA VIDEO CONFERENCE** Are you new to college and feeling overwhelmed? Maybe, you are having a difficult time focusing and it’s impacting your grades. Perhaps, you’re unsure what you want to major in or don’t know what you want to do after graduation. Or, you’re struggling with finding motivation, missing classes, or falling behind. While school comes easy for some college students, others need more help in finding their strengths, passion, and people. You may be struggling with your mood, ability to focus, or work-life balance. Or, you might have trouble with time management, organization, and managing a heavy schoolwork load. Whatever the cause of your current struggles, an experienced therapist can help you find balance, feel better, and develop the skills you need to feel more successful. There is no need to continue to struggle alone. Seeking help does not mean you are weak, but rather that you are committed to reaching your goals and getting the most out of your life. Therapy can help you to feel better and get your life back on track. Having a safe place to vent and problem solve can be pivotal in helping you thrive. You can learn to manage your responsibilities, build strong relationships, learn healthy boundaries, manage big feelings, and increase your self-esteem. Clients tell me that I am different from other therapists. There are therapists that will simply sit and listen to you. I am not one of those therapists. I will listen and support you AND I will challenge you to work towards building a life that lights you up. We will laugh, cry, and have fun together, all while getting the tough work done! I offer the experience, knowledge, and skills to help you work through whatever issues are getting in your way. If you're ready start feeling better, I'm ready to help!
Are you someone who typically "has it all together," yet is struggling underneath the surface? Do you find yourself easily overwhelmed with stress, anxiety, or other difficult emotions? Maybe you struggle seeking out support, even during times of challenge or transition. You're ready to feel at peace and to know your worth. Your teens and twenties are full of possibility, growth, and challenge. You’re exploring your identity, your future, and how you fit in - which can be simultaneously exciting and terrifying. Whatever it is you’re dealing with - stress over school, relationship challenges, substance use, family conflict, anxiety, depression, etc - therapy can help. I don’t practice one-size-fits-all therapy. Each person is unique, and comes to therapy for different reasons. You’ll find that our counseling sessions feel collaborative and supportive, honoring your personal strengths and drawing on authenticity, humor, and compassion to help you reach your goals. I typically see clients online via video sessions, but if you're in San Diego, we can also meet at a local park or beach for a walking/Ecotherapy session!
Unfortunately, life has many obstacles and challenges leading to feelings of sadness, pain, confusion, and anger. Often individuals and couples feel stuck and don't know how to move forward. This time can feel very lonely and scary. My role as a therapist is to provide you with a safe, nonjudgmental environment to process thoughts and feelings, as well as guide you in developing insight and identifying skills to help you live a happier and healthier life. I am committed in helping you heal and grow. I have experience working with individuals with a variety of conditions/issues including depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma. I assist couples in increasing communication skills, decreasing conflicts, and developing a healthy attachment to one another. I am trained in EMDR, Couples and Sex Therapy, as well as Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. I look forward to hearing from you to determine whether I would be a good fit in helping you through your growth and healing.
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.
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.
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I work best with students who feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in their own head. Many of the students I support struggle with overthinking, self-doubt, stress, past experiences that still affect them, or feeling pressure to hold everything together. They’re often high-functioning on the outside but feel exhausted or disconnected inside. I offer a calm, supportive space to help students feel more grounded, understand what they’re going through, and build skills to feel better over time.
Michele Ellis is a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a strong commitment to helping individuals improve their mental health and overall well-being. With over 10 years of experience in the field, Michele has developed exceptional therapeutic skills and a deep understanding of the social, emotional, and psychological issues that clients face. Her commitment to providing individualized care allows her to meet you where you are in your journey and empower you to make positive changes in your life. Each client has a unique story, and she works collaboratively with you to identify and achieve your therapeutic goals. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, general life transitions, grief and loss, end of life or any other psychological concern, she will guide you through the process of healing and self-discovery. Remember, you are not alone. Michele is here to walk alongside you and support you every step of the way. Together, you can create a life filled with meaning, purpose, and emotional resilience
I have rich experience working with individuals, couples, and families. Therapeutically, I am person-centered and focus on my client’s ability to adapt and develop as a person. I provide a safe environment for them to discover themselves and experiment with new ways of being and work through obstacles to lead fuller, more meaningful lives outside the therapy office. I am extensively trained and mentored in interpersonal neurobiology, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and Bowen family systems theory. I further provide therapy in Portuguese.
Blu Alliance Counseling Center first and foremost specializes in you. Our therapists training has allowed them the knowledge base to work with a variety of presenting problems, primarily since we believe our work is about exploring and understanding you as an individual, not as a diagnosis. Our motto here at Blu Alliance is "Blu Specializes in You" and we fully believe this to be true! At Blu Alliance Counseling Center, we are committed to supporting our community in every way possible, particularly for those dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, and other mental health-related issues. We understand that seeking therapeutic services can be challenging, and that’s why we offer telehealth services to make it more accessible and convenient for you. We offer Telehealth as a way to give those who are in need access to therapy in a safe environment. We highly care about our community and fellow Californians access to mental health during this time. We are all in this together. By being together, we can build something that can last not just in the moment but create a set of tools that you can carry for the rest of your life. If you have any more questions about our services you can reach out by email at admin@blualliance.org and/or Call us at (626) 541-0009.
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Trinette, a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), emphasizes collaboration with her patients in treating psychiatric disorders and managing medications. She partners with them, integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and supportive and talk therapy to meet their unique needs. Together, they explore CBT techniques, where Trinette guides patients to identify and reframe distorted thoughts—say, tackling anxiety-driven fears—co-creating strategies that empower them to cope. In MI, she works alongside patients, sparking their motivation to embrace treatment plans, like sticking to meds or therapy for depression, ensuring their voice drives the process. Through supportive talk therapy, Trinette and her patients jointly unpack emotions, building trust as they process challenges like trauma, reinforcing their resilience as a team. In medication management, collaboration shines: Trinette assesses symptoms and histories with patient input, designing psychopharmacological plans together. She explains options—perhaps adjusting an antipsychotic for bipolar disorder—while they monitor effects and tweak dosages as a unit, balancing efficacy and comfort. For instance, a patient with OCD might co-develop a plan blending CBT for obsessions and a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, refining it based on shared feedback. This partnership fosters ownership, as patients feel heard and respected. By merging these therapies with tailored medication, Trinette and her patients collaboratively address mind and body, paving the way for sustainable mental wellness through mutual effort and understanding.
You’ve Come to the Right Place: Our clinicians are licensed psychologists, post-doctorate fellows, pre-doctoral interns, and/or doctoral- or masters-level clinicians. All of our unlicensed clinicians are supervised by one or more licensed clinical psychologist on staff. Services may be available in other languages. THERAPY Individual, family, and group therapy is available. While we specialize in providing trauma-focused therapeutic services, we also cover a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, emotion dysregulation, and self-growth. We offer low-cost options so that our services are accessible to all and all of our treatment services are provided on a sliding scale based on income. PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS Neuropsychological and comprehensive psychological testing and educational assessments are available. We also offer a wide range of forensic evaluations listed under our Forensic Services. WHY CHOOSE US? All clinicians at IVAT are trained in various trauma-focused and evidenced-based treatments with specific specialty areas in child abuse and maltreatment, intimate partner violence, and human trafficking. Because IVAT is a resource and training center, our clinicians have access to and participate in the latest mental health research. IVAT’s clinicians participate in continuous training in order to enhance their clinical skills and keep current on emerging mental health issues. We believe that everyone has a right to get help, regardless of financial situation. That’s why we offer an income-based sliding scale for mental health services. “We repeat what we don’t repair.” — Christine Langley-Obaugh