Therapists for college students near University of Southern California
Are you struggling with non-stop worry about all the things that feel out of your control? Or maybe you find yourself terrified of embarrassment, consumed by doubt, or suddenly overwhelmed by dread for no apparent reason. I would love to give you the tools to ease your anxiety, take back your life, and truly be yourself. The never-ending worries and intense physical discomfort of anxiety can be exhausting and overwhelming, especially when you're also trying to manage a course load! As your therapist, we would work together to identify what is driving your anxiety and then find the most effective strategies for you so that you don’t have to feel powerless anymore.
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.
I became a therapist because I’ve always been drawn to how people make sense of pain, identity, survival, and the patterns that shape how they relate to themselves and others. Before entering this field, I worked in settings where I supported people in crisis and helped connect them with care and resources. Over time, I realized I didn’t just want to help people stabilize through difficult moments, I wanted to support deeper, longer-term healing, especially around trauma, relationships, and identity. I’ve also become especially interested in couples work and relational patterns—how people affect one another, how cycles of conflict or distance develop, and how repair becomes possible. A lot of emotional pain shows up in relationships, and I’m interested in helping people slow those moments down so they can understand what’s happening underneath reactivity and disconnection. Alongside that, I’m committed to working with neurodivergent clients, including ADHD and OCD, as well as LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. I’m interested in how people navigate differences in attention, regulation, intrusive thoughts, identity, and communication, especially in systems that haven’t always understood or accommodated those experiences. My goal is to create a space where those differences aren’t pathologized, but understood in context. Feeling heard is something we build actively in the room, not something that just happens automatically. I slow the process down when needed so each person has space to fully express what they’re experiencing, especially in moments where emotions are high, communication feels stuck, or patterns start repeating. I listen for both what is said directly and what might be happening underneath needs, fears, protective responses, and the meaning each person is making of the situation. In couples work, I pay close attention to the interaction itself: how cycles form, where disconnection happens, and what each person may be protecting or trying to communicate through their reactions. With trauma, neurodivergence, ADHD, OCD, and LGBTQ+ experiences, I also stay attentive to how past environments may have shaped how safe it feels to speak openly, regulate emotions, or be fully seen. I check in regularly to make sure I’m understanding each of you accurately, and I welcome correction if something doesn’t land right. The goal is for both of you to feel that your experience is taken seriously, even when your perspectives differ. Working together is a collaborative process where we look at what’s bringing you in, what patterns are repeating, and how those patterns show up both individually and between you as a couple. I don’t approach therapy as something I’m doing to you, but as something we’re actively building together over time. Trust develops through consistency, clarity, and responsiveness. I aim to create a structured but flexible space where we can slow things down enough to understand what’s happening beneath conflict, shutdown, or overwhelm. In couples work, that often means tracking the interaction in real time and helping both partners feel understood without losing sight of accountability or impact. With neurodivergence, ADHD, and OCD in particular, I also pay attention to how attention, impulse, certainty, doubt, and regulation affect communication and relationships. With trauma and LGBTQ+ clients, I focus on creating a space where safety, respect, and identity are not assumed or questioned, but actively supported. Throughout our work, I check in about how the process is feeling and adjust as needed so therapy remains useful, grounded, and aligned with what matters most to you. Outside of therapy, I like having creative outlets and noticing small, grounding moments in everyday life. I also spend time with my dog, a Beagle, Frenchie, who has a lot of personality and a strong opinion about absolutely everything. She’s a good reminder that even in deeper work around trauma, relationships, and identity, there’s still space for humor, warmth, and moments that don’t feel so heavy.
We live in a culture that constantly pushes us to do more, work harder, and question whether we’re ever “enough.” For many students, that pressure leads to stress, anxiety, and burnout. But thriving isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about finding balance, clarity, and a stronger sense of who you are and what you need. This work often extends into your relationships, your identity, and your sense of direction. I offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can slow down, explore what’s weighing on you, and develop a more grounded, sustainable way forward.
Are feeling overwhelmed or stressed from school, work, extracurriculars, finances, and everything else? I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California, and I specialize in helping college women manage stress and heal from trauma with compassionate, evidence-based care. With a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University, I bring experience from residential treatment centers, school-based programs, and nonprofit organizations. I provide therapy for trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions, always with a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach. I incorporate evidence-based therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Faith-Based Therapy for clients seeking a spiritual lens. I’m also trained in EMDR therapy for clients looking to process and heal from traumatic experiences.
What inspires me to work in mental health is the possibility of supporting another person or family through a difficult phase of their life. I have experience in trauma focused care, anxiety, depression, and parenting across all ages. I hope to use this experience to assist my clients in improving their quality of life. As a provider, I come from a place of non-judgement, curiosity, and view my client as the expert of their own life. Therefore, I ask clarifying questions to make sure I understand what they are saying, validate, and respect where they are coming from. I value transparency, consistency, and authenticity and I bring that to session each time. I respect the fact that trust is valuable and I allow time for my clients to feel comfortable with me.
Hi, I am Rafael Cazares, LMFT. As a bicultural professional, the son of immigrants, and the first in my family to graduate from college, my practice is deeply dedicated to Latino/a/x mental health and student wellbeing. I understand firsthand what it is like to navigate two distinct worlds at once, balancing deep cultural roots and family sacrifices with the heavy, relentless pressures of higher education. Before transitioning into mental health, my first career was in Information Technology (IT), which heavily shapes how I view therapy today. I borrow some of that mindset to look at you as a whole person. I do not look at your academic stress, chronic anxiety, or life transitions in isolation. Instead, we look at how your history, your course load, your family dynamics, and your routines all connect. I mostly work with driven, first and second generation students, path changers, and overthinkers who find themselves running on empty. My clients are often students who know they want to excel, but they currently feel completely stuck, paralyzed by procrastination, or constantly living on default high alert. This mental friction usually happens when the intense desire to honor your family sacrifices collides with an unceasing inner critic and a mind that refuses to shift out of high gear. Whether you are carrying the heavy weight of everyone else expectations or trying to find your footing in an environment that was never modeled for you growing up, you belong here. My practice is a fully welcoming, identity affirming space where you can finally drop the academic armor and examine your story without an ounce of judgment. Combining intentional behavioral science like ACT with advanced trauma processing like EMDR, we focus on identifying the exact loops keeping you stuck, processing the stuckness, and developing life long skills. We move past empty venting to focus on concrete strategies to quiet the background noise of your thoughts, lock in your focus, and manage the intense emotional fatigue of higher education. Balancing my own life as a stay at home father during the day, I intentionally structure my practice with late evening and Saturday slots. This allows me to meet you online during the quiet hours when your classes, labs, and study shifts are completely done for the day. You do not have to carry the immense weight of these academic and cultural expectations all on your own. Let us connect today to schedule a free 15 minute consultation call and start building a clear roadmap toward a future that is truly your own.
I meet clients where they are with a grounded, pragmatic approach and we collaborate to make their daily lives more manageable and fulfilling by addressing outdated coping skills that are no longer helpful, self-sabotaging behaviors, and past traumas. I also offer coaching services, particularly for young professionals, those in counseling and wellness-oriented professions, and graduate students. I am especially interested in supporting my clients through the processes of self-development and self-innovation, as well as radical acceptance and growth.
Hello! I love working with college students and young adults. I am located within walking distance from Chapman University. If you are looking for a therapist with some sass who curses but also knows how to be nurturing, look no further. I consider myself a trauma therapist and I am certified in EMDR and trained in Internal Family Systems at the IFS Institute. I love learning and am often taking new trainings so I can support my clients better. I am very passionate about what I do. Recently, my focus has been on IFS and Polyvagal Theory. IFS is a type of therapy that helps us understand that we have different parts inside of us that conflict with one another at times. It is sort of similar to inner child work although that is a bit reductive. Polyvagal Theory is looking at what is happening in the body, namely the autonomic nervous system. I also really enjoy focusing on attachment and my thesis from when I was in grad school was on attachment.
I am a former 1st-gen student who is passionate about supporting individuals as they navigate higher education. Whether that means breaking out of problematic patterns, having better relationships, or living a more fulfilled life, I am here to walk with folks through that journey. My approach is relational, strengths-based, and eclectic, as I try my best to provide culturally-responsive care that recognizes not just the individual, but the systems and contexts they are living within. I support students experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, perfectionism, self-esteem issues, and more. I specialize in BIPOC and college mental health and provide individual virtual therapy as well as ADHD and Learning Disability testing.
College can feel overwhelming when stress, anxiety, burnout, relationship issues, or life changes start piling up. You may look like you’re managing on the outside while feeling stuck, exhausted, or alone on the inside. I offer a warm, supportive space to help you better understand what’s going on, build healthy coping skills, and move forward with more clarity and confidence.
I became a therapist because of my personal experience with finding hope and healing with the right person, at the right time in my life. It’s very vulnerable to open yourself up to a provider and I strive to always respect that courage by recognizing we work as partners in bringing hope and healing to your life, at your pace. I strive to provide a warm and safe place for my clients to feel they can be transparent without fear of judgement. I then openly let my clients know my perceptions so that they have an opportunity to provide clarification on their individual needs and correct any assumption I may have. I work hard to ensure my clients have a full understanding of what is happening in their treatment so they can feel empowered as an equal partner in the process. I often hear my clients express appreciation from being informed and having the power to determine the direction they want their treatment to go. As someone who works with fostering/rescuing animals, I find so much joy in getting to meet many of my clients pets. It brings a lot of comfort to have my pets near me, and it is comforting to know my clients are supported by their pets.
Welcome! Working with a diverse population for many years widen my appreciation toward everyone I encounter in the therapy room. My new clients often ask me, “What is your approach or therapy model?” Learning from years valuable experience, I do not take a blueprint or “one-size-fits-all” approach for clients. Every client has an individualized curriculum. You may be feeling distressed, facing difficulties in your personal or professional relationships, contemplating a major life transition, or navigating a health crisis. No matter what challenge brings, I will help you in resolving conflicts and strengthening your relationships. I will explore your options in a collaborative way while taking into consideration the hopes, expectations, values, and preferences that are significant to you. Using clinical sophistication and expertise I incorporate humility, kindness, and passion to create a caring environment. My life experience encompasses living in the Eastern hemisphere and Western hemisphere; also working in East coast and West coast of the U.S. It enriches me to carefully examine things in different angles and not “boxing people in” with narrowly defined categories. I also provide supervision for all learning stages. I look forward to meeting you!
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There are many things that can lead a person to seek therapy. You may be experiencing a persistent feeling of fear but just can't put your finger on where it’s coming from. Perhaps you've been feeling anxious about being judged harshly by others or have been struggling with feelings of emptiness, loneliness, or loss of control. Bearing the weight of these experiences can often feel exhausting. But, you do not have to be alone in these struggles. Taking the first step to seek help can feel vulnerable and even scary. I believe that when the right conditions are present healing of the heart, mind, body, and soul can – and will – occur. Reach out today.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with experience supporting college students through anxiety, trauma, relationship struggles, and depression. Whether you’re dealing with academic pressure, family issues, social stress, or just feeling stuck—I’m here to help. Therapy with me is virtual, flexible, and designed to fit your schedule. No commuting, no waiting rooms—just real support when and where you need it. This is a space where you can be yourself, feel heard, and start building tools to manage life more confidently. Together, we’ll explore what’s weighing you down and work toward clarity, healing, and growth—at your pace. Let’s connect. If you're ready to feel more grounded and supported, I offer virtual sessions designed around your life. Reach out today to schedule a time that works for you
Are you a high achiever who feels disconnected from who you truly are? Do you find yourself struggling with anxiety, depression, or a deep sense of overwhelm, despite your outward success? Perhaps you’ve been shaped by high expectations, either from your family, culture, or society, and now feel torn between the person you’re supposed to be and the person you really are. I specialize in working with clients like you—ambitious, driven individuals, often children of immigrants, who are navigating the pressure to succeed while grappling with the internal conflict of identity. You may be feeling stuck between honoring your heritage and culture, and carving out a path that feels authentic to you. This can be an exhausting, confusing, and painful process—but it doesn’t have to be done alone. In our work together, I aim to create a warm, compassionate space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, without judgment or pressure. Together, we can begin to untangle the stories that have shaped you, heal from trauma, and work toward developing a more integrated sense of self—one that aligns with your true values and desires, rather than others' expectations.
I am a TELEHEALTH provider with openings:) Do you feel anxious, sad, out of control, or overwhelmed? Do you experience racing thoughts, have trouble sleeping and hardly ever feel at ease? Are you feeling sad, down, as if a dark cloud is over you? Do your feel like you are treated as a number and not as a person when you look for help? I can help you and provide mental health treatment that is tailored to fit your needs. I find joy in seeing my clients feel calm, happier, improve their relationships and feel like themselves again. I aim to help my clients find a medication treatment that is right for them. Everyone deserves to feel well and live to the fullest. I get you. I understand that you may be uncertain about taking medication, or perhaps you may need your medication adjusted. Your treatment plan will be continuously modified to fit your needs.
It’s not easy having feelings of “not belonging” and “not knowing how to fit in” – questioning “who am I” and “how can I be seen?” Wondering where your people are and then wondering “are these my people?” How to connect while allowing yourself to be vulnerable while allowing yourself to be safe while allowing yourself to experience the full experience of life … Mental / emotional health is a vital necessity for success in life; to be able to make clear decisions without doubt or fear or to practice compassion toward the self instead of letting insecurities take root or judging the self harshly. Symptoms of depression and anxiety can be debilitating and create interference in meeting daily demands – creating low motivation, low energy, a sense of excessive worry or irritability, struggling with concentration / focus or delaying making decisions; or becoming fearful of failing or of losing something valuable. My name is Laura, and I have over 25 years’ experience as a licensed mental health counselor; most of my focus has been on helping young adults make the transition from dependence to independence; to identify and support their own values and ideas for their own future. To assist the process of developing coping strategies to manage life and learning how to recognize and walk through emotional responses; I would like to be of assistance in helping you make the transition toward your mental health and recovery journey. I also have extensive experience in assisting individuals heal from traumatic events, to embrace a release from the emotional impact locked into the memories of the trauma. Providing an opportunity to allow the traumatic event to remain in the past and no longer interfere with your present. Please reach out to me via email or text me at 317-296-3279 if you have any questions and let's figure out how I may be of help to you.