Therapists for college students near University of Southern California

Working in metal health for over a decade, I realized I would ask more questions about the person than I was trained to know what to do. I knew I wanted to help people more and decided to further my education to be able to do that. Clients need to feel heard and understood. I would initially ask how they would like to feel heard and understood. I would naturally reflect back on what clients have stated to ensure I heard their words correctly. I would also ask if I understood their words correctly to confirm. Working together is collaborative. Building trust looks like me asking questions to see the client’s experience and what support looks like to them. It is listening to their stories and hearing what the client would like to work on as far as goals and supporting them to do so.

I am a southern California native, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist under the Board of Behavioral Sciences of California. She is also an Out-of-State Telehealth Provider - Marriage and Family Therapist with the state of Florida Department of Health. I provide virtual services throughout the state of California and Florida. I also provide coaching services nationally through services. Furthermore, I have in person sessions in West Los Angeles. I earned her Master’s of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy, after completing her undergrad in Psychology from Missouri Valley College with a minor in Drug and Alcohol Studies. I am certified clinical trauma professional, Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional and Certified EMDR therapist. I focus on trauma informed, compassionate based, holistic practices. I work collaboratively with clients such as Athletes, Performers, Artists, Professionals, & Students to provide evidenced based mental and emotional skills to help manage pressures as well as cultivate professional, academic or athletic success. Furthermore, I help support individuals mental health issues that impact an Athletes, Performers, Artists, Professionals, & Students ability to show up as they wish. I always provide affirming, inclusive and anti-racist care to LGBTQIA2s+ & BIPOC folx. I use an individualized approach and focus on strength based collaboration to develop practical and attainable goals w/my clients. I help build resiliency, emotional intelligence and mental capabilities to improve how individuals can show up. I provide Wellness, Empowerment Mental Coaching along with psychotherapy services. I also offer concierge services. I utilize process based therapy & eclectic approach to as this allows me to address everyones needs individually. I lean on practices such as EMDR, Integrative practices, Narrative Therapy, DBT, CBT, mindfulness & IFS practices. I will implement skill development through the use of evident based practices to improve performance and individual treatment plan focused on goal directed behaviors.

Combining the imagination of a poet with the skills of a psychologist, Dr. Owen (she/her) is an engaged and active listener. She sees the goal of therapy as helping students reduce current distress, resolve symptoms, and enhance their sense of passion and purpose. Dr. Owen uses insight-oriented and existential perspectives to deepen conversations, including informed consideration of family, societal, racial, gender/sexual orientation, and cultural dynamics that may be impacting you. This approach helps provide a through-line of inquiry across sessions. To help people start feeling better in the short-term, Dr. Owen uses the skill-sets of cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma-informed practice, mindfulness, and somatic work to address things impacting your ability to function in school and to work toward feeling better day to Dr. Owen is a secular therapist who also specializes in working with exvangelicals—people who have grown up in or left fundamentalist religious churches or spiritual groups—as well as anyone who is on a path of deconstruction, i.e., deeply examining their religious/spiritual beliefs or faith. Dr. Owen has been in academia herself, having worked at a community college, a state university, and a small, highly selective liberal arts college, so she understands things unique to academia you may be struggling with. Common issues include navigating political issues with graduate students, undergrad challenges such as choosing a major and dating, worries about career, and working through cultural and identity issues. For students residing in Hawai’i, Dr. Owen is able to accept HMSA insurance.

For me, becoming a therapist was really about wanting to support people through difficult and sometimes lonely parts of their lives. I’ve always been drawn to deep conversations and understanding what makes people feel seen, heard, and safe. Over time, I realized that being present for someone-without judgement-can be incredibly powerful. I wanted to offer that space where people can explore their story, grow, and feel more connected to themselves. It’s a privilege to be part of that process. My priority is to create a space where you can be fully yourself-without pressure, judgment, or expectation. I’ll be listening closely not just to your words, but also to what’s underneath-your emotions, your experiences, your patterns. I’ll check in with you often to make sure I’m understanding you the way you want to be understood, not just how I interpret things. We’ll move at a pace that feels safe for you, and if there’s ever a moment you don’t feel heard or something doesn’t feel right, I want to know. This is your space, and your voice matters here. In the beginning, it’s really about getting to know you-what’s going on in your life, what’s important to you, and what you’re hoping to get out of therapy. I won’t push you to share anything before you’re ready. We’ll move at a pace that feels right for you. Building trust takes time, so I focus on showing up consistently, being real with you, and making sure you feel safe to be yourself. I’ll check in with you often about how things are going-what’s helpful, what’s not, what you want more or less of. This a therapeutic partnership, and I want it to feel like we’re working together-not me telling you what to do, but us exploring things side by side.

I am passionate about working with college students! Are you struggling at school? Maybe you're having difficulties in your relationships. Or do you want to feel more confident about yourself? During difficult times, I will help you find new ways of managing your life by teaching you coping skills. Do you beat yourself up? Therapy will teach you how to be kind to yourself. I like to do "what works". I pull from different approaches because every client is unique. My style of relating is warm and empathetic. I currently work with College Students, individuals and teens with issues including: Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, and Substance abuse. Here are are comments from my past clients "Maria is an excellent therapist. She has been instrumental in my recovery." "Maria was helpful especially since I was new to therapy." I am passionate about helping students conquer their fears & improve their self-esteem. My success comes from listening & being present with my clients in order to understand their experiences. I am available to see clients on Sundays!

My biggest inspiration was my grandmother who thought me to help, love and inspire others unconditionally. My children and friends continued to inspire me to use my grandmother’s wisdom to empower others by being present in the time of need as well as celebrating their accomplishments. My goal as a therapist is to work with you as a partner throughout your healing process. At the end of each session, we will review what was discussed and create a plan that will help you meet your goal. You can reach me by phone in case you feel stuck or need assistance. At the beginning of treatment and each session, I will actively listen to your needs, feelings or stressors that might have contributed to you seeking help. We will develop a plan that will empower you to meet your needs, help manage your emotions and teach you coping strategies to help manage stressors.

Avoid traffic & travel time with Video/Phone Telehealth sessions (I do not offer in person counseling). Do you enjoy learning about yourself, seeking joy, purpose and growth all while keeping a sense of humor about life and yourself even when facing challenges? Are you dealing with stress, anxiety, major life changes or adjustments (career, moving, marriage, separation, break-up or divorce), trauma or grief and loss? These have been my areas of specialty for 20+years. I also love working with those in the entertainment industry or in the helping professions (healthcare, mental health, caregivers, spiritual / coaches). Sound like you? I may be a fit! Time does not heal all wounds. But, what you do with your time can make a HUGE difference. Using grief, loss, CBT, and stress management techniques, together we can work on everything from individual support for children, teens or adults to couples or family counseling. I like seeing the results in my clients feeling happier, healthier and satisfied. Whether it's your first time in therapy or you have had experience in the past and life circumstances have led you back to searching for someone new, I hope I can help. I know from personal experience that weeding through all the therapists is a daunting task, and finding the best fit for you is essential. Note: I don't take insurance and provide paperwork for you to submit to any PPO for Out of Network Benefit reimbursement.

My personal background, culture, and values play a large role in my inspiration to be a therapist. I recognize how everyone has their own history, which will shape who they are and how they react to positive and negative situations. My cultural and educational background are a constant reminder of the importance of empathy when hearing someone’s individual story. I’m passionate about helping others who need support in current childhood challenges, processing childhood trauma, creating healthy communication habits to form strong relationships, and processing the impact of anxiety and depression. We will be working as a team to help you get closer to the goals you want to meet. With strength based approaches, I hope to empower you to reflect on your emotions and utilize the learned skills to start implementing them into your life, outside of our sessions. My priority is to include your own background, experiences, and values to set goals for treatment. Communication is key in all relationships and is necessary to feel safe and understood in your treatment. Building rapport is a vital part of beginning the trust between a client and a therapist. During my first session with adults, I like to review your goals and expectations of treatment, as well as any previous experiences in therapy, as those can shape our view of treatment. I want to make sure I take your most important values into account in order to create a safe therapeutic environment. From my experiences, children and teens have a harder time building that trust. Therefore, my first session with them includes a whole session dedicated to getting to know one another with an ice breaker activity. I find this helps form the foundation to that safe space to begin opening up.

I care about others and want to help people better understand the power of their emotions as an empowering tool to live a better life, for themselves and others in society and the communities we may be from. Mental health stigma is apparent in society, it is a mission statement for me to support in breaking stigma. I come from a multicultural immigrant and BIPOC/API background; serving this populations and the mental health challenges they may be facing in America is meaningful work to me. I understand how it feels to struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, complicated family dynamics, academic stress, racism, systemic oppression, religious trauma, chronic/rare illnesses sexual orientation discrimination, gender identity challenges; I focus my scope of practice & clinical skills towards serving these issues. I work in a client centered strength based and collaborative approach, where I work alongside clients as professional partners in treatment to focus on goals they care about and we both agree are appropriate and achievable in this treatment services setting. I ask open ended questions and take time and patience with clients to support them in feeling safe and comfortable enough to open up over time. I value constructive feedback, as the therapy space should be known that is is two humans working together towards clients’ goals, hopes, and wellness.

College can be exciting, but also overwhelming. If you’re feeling anxious, down, or stuck in your relationships, you’re not alone and support is available. I help students work through challenges like anxiety, depression, and relationship stress in a safe, laid-back space where you can be yourself. I take a whole-person approach to healing, focusing on the connection between mind, body, and soul. Together, we’ll build on your strengths and help you feel more balanced, empowered, and in control of your life. My goal is to support your growth, help you feel heard, and walk with you through whatever you’re facing.

Hi, I'm Dr. Serena. I help clients who are struggling with anxieties and self-doubt by exploring what's getting in the way, where the fears are coming from, and how your existing strengths can help shift you out of feeling stuck. This might look like mix of using what is working for you with creating new strategies. I also consider how family expectations, values, and culture play a role in how you are trying to show up at school as well as in your relationships. I use my experience in providing couples therapy to help individuals figure out what they want, how to communicate that effectively, and navigate conflict so that you can feel seen and supported by the people in your life. Want to see if we are a good fit? Schedule a 15min consultation call on my booking website: https://serena-galloway.clientsecure.me . I'll answer your questions and we can set up virtual sessions that fit your schedule. I look forward to hearing from you 🌻

My goal in sessions is for clients to feel self-aware, empowered, and grounded in who they are to better connect with the person they want to become. This kind of therapy leads you toward a happier home life, better communication with family/friends, feeling accomplished and relaxed at the end of the day, or feeling confident in your ability to tackle roadblocks. I am committed to creating an environment for clients to feel safe and comfortable to open up about difficult topics. This safe space is where we can honor those feelings and experiences, gain a sense of acceptance, and work together to create a journey forward towards a purpose-filled path. My areas of focus are trauma, anxiety, grief, behavioral issues, anger management, social skills, self-esteem, family dynamics, personal growth, high-stress environments, and more.

I became a therapist because I know how healing it can be to have someone really listen and be with you without judgment. We all go through hard things, and I believe no one should have to do it alone. I’m especially interested in how our bodies hold stress and emotions, and how we can gently reconnect to ourselves through awareness, creativity, and compassion. Being a therapist gives me the chance to support people in feeling more understood, empowered, and at home in themselves. I’ll listen closely to your words, your emotions, and what your body might be communicating even when it’s hard to put into words. I’ll check in often to make sure we’re going at your pace, and I’ll ask questions to understand your experience more fully, not to judge or fix you. My goal is for you to feel safe, respected, and truly seen. This is your space, and I’ll honor your story with care, curiosity, and compassion. I support individuals who want to reconnect with their bodies, find calm, and feel safe again after challenging experiences. My approach blends somatic psychotherapy, trauma-informed care, and creative healing. I help clients celebrate who they are and bring awareness to what matters to them. Together, we’ll focus on learning to listen to yourself, unlocking your inner voice, and creating a new chapter that feels authentic and empowering. I offer an inclusive, collaborative space where every part of you is welcomed. Healing isn’t about changing who you are — it’s about coming home to yourself.

I am an ANCC Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I completed my Bachelors of Science in Nursing at Mount Saint Mary’s University and earned my Masters of Science in Nursing at Cal State Long Beach. Prior to my career as a nurse practitioner I worked in emergency nursing and inpatient psychiatric settings. Prior to my nursing career I served in the US Army as a medic and completed my enlistment as a Sergeant. I am a married mother of twins and my interests include learning to play the drums and guitar, going to the gym and astrology. I am inspired to work in mental health as I believe wellness is multifactorial. The state of our mental health is what can influence our ability to function in our day to day. People of all walks of life, including myself, have either experienced a need for mental health care or loved someone who has. I am thrilled to provide care in a time where mental health is becoming less stigmatized. It is extremely rewarding to witness what a profound impact high quality mental health care can provide. I tailor my approach and treatment plan to align with preferences and values through thorough assessment and consideration. I ask questions and I encourage my clients to do the same. Care should be collaborative and that includes hearing and respecting the individual seeking care. I provide recommendations for individualized treatment plans and work together to develop a treatment plan that is right for the client’s perceived needs. All psychiatry providers at Foresight have specialized experience in treating a wide range of common mental health conditions, including but not limited to ADHD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, depression, and PTSD. In addition, I specialize in the following areas: academic stress, BIPOC mental health issues, LGBTQIQ2s+ mental health, first responders, racial identity, sex-positive, kink allied, transgender care, veterans care

As a Black woman who is often seen as "having it all together," it may be challenging to admit that you are having a difficult time. You may automatically say that you are "good" or "well" when people ask how you are doing but know deep down that this is a mask of how you are really feeling. Recognizing and admitting to yourself about the mask is the first courageous step to getting support. Even though many of us have been told to not let our guard down by showing others that we do not have it all together or that only "crazy" people who do not look like us go for therapy (not true!), you know what you need for yourself.

Navigating your college years is a massive transition. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed, shifting relationship dynamics, or anxiety about the future, you do not have to figure it out alone. I have been a therapist since 2011, and as a trauma specialist, I help young adults find their footing. As a UC Berkeley grad, I know firsthand the weight of high expectations. My approach is collaborative and conversational. I bring warmth and genuine care to our sessions. We will work as a team, using strategies focused on finding solutions to get to the root of what is holding you back while building practical tools for resilience. Our first session is simply a safe, supportive space to start unpacking what is on your mind. We move at your pace. Reach out today, and let's start exploring what true healing looks like for you.

We are trauma therapists who provide trauma-focused therapy through EMDR therapy, relational trauma therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), AEDP, and IFS. We work with BIPOC & AAPI students and international students who have a history of trauma or PTSD. If you are a student who is struggling with past or ongoing difficult family dynamics, a history of eating disorders, substance use issues, sexual assaults or abuse in childhood, or struggling with intimate relationships, friendships, and social relationships, please reach out. We can help! We help you process what happened so you are no longer stuck in the past or in pain.

I work with children, teens, and adults, using a specialized blend of behavior principles into my therapeutic practice. I started my career in special education as a behaviorist for children with autism and later worked as a school counselor for middle school students in East Los Angeles. I earned my BCBA in 2020 and my LCSW in 2021, allowing me to integrate behavior management techniques into my mental health practice. I love being able to work with clients from both a behavioral and mental health perspective, allowing space for big behaviors and big feelings to coexist and be processed together. I'm here to help! I am directive yet empathetic and allow clients to tailor their therapeutic plan to meet their needs and goals. Please don't hesitate to reach out for a consultation to see if we might be a good fit. Email for clinical supervision rates (individual, triadic, group).

When clients ask what inspired me to become a therapist, I share that I’m passionate about creating a safe, supportive space for children, couples, and families to feel seen and understood. As a first-generation Mexican-American, I’ve experienced how culture, family dynamics, and life experiences shape who we are, which led me to this work—helping individuals and families better understand themselves and each other. To help you feel heard, I focus on building a warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative environment. Whether I’m working with a child, a couple, or a family, I approach each person with curiosity and cultural humility, making sure everyone’s voice is valued and understood. Working together is a partnership. I use a systems perspective, so we’ll explore how relationships, communication patterns, and family dynamics impact your experiences. With children, this may look like play-based or developmentally appropriate support; with couples and families, we’ll work on communication, boundaries, and strengthening connection. I build trust by being consistent, transparent, and genuinely engaged so you feel supported as we navigate challenges together. My ultimate goal is to understand you as an individual and provide a space where you can become your authentic self. I have had success working within the LQBTQ+ POC community as well as with children of immigrants. I enjoy joining my clients on their path to self-acceptance and self-empowerment.

Melanie invites you to explore and embrace all the parts of who you are, recognizing that your intersecting identities shape your experiences and the way you interact with the world. She takes a thoughtful, down-to-earth, and at times, direct approach that blends working toward meaningful goals with staying present. With warmth, honesty, and just the right dose of humor, she creates a space where you feel safe enough to risk vulnerability. You might benefit from working with Melanie if: - You're facing a big change, like a breakup, a move, a new job, or a loss, and feeling untethered. - You've achieved a lot, but continue to be plagued by anxiety, depression, burnout, and self-doubt. - You're an athlete, artist, or high performer, whose inner life doesn't match your outer success. - You're processing trauma or childhood experiences that still impact you today. - You want support managing stress, emotion dysregulation, and executive dysfunction. - You're tired and frustrated by not getting what you want out of your relationships. - You wish you could set appropriate boundaries, find the words to articulate the internal workings of your mind, and have the confidence to express your needs.​