Therapists for college students near University of Southern California

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.

Hi, I'm Jessica Taylor Vara, LMFT, a Certified EMDR Therapist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant. On paper, your life might look pretty good. You're responsible. Capable. The person everyone turns to when they need help. But underneath it all, you're exhausted. Maybe you're constantly overthinking, struggling with anxiety, second-guessing yourself, or feeling like you're never quite enough no matter how hard you try. Maybe you're stuck in unhealthy relationship patterns, carrying the weight of childhood experiences you thought you should be over by now, or finding yourself overwhelmed by stress, perfectionism, and self-doubt. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. I help college students, graduate students, young professionals, and adults heal from anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, people-pleasing, relationship difficulties, and the lasting impact of difficult life experiences. Many of my clients are thoughtful, high-achieving people who have spent years trying to understand themselves but still feel stuck repeating the same emotional patterns. My approach is warm, collaborative, and deeply compassionate. I integrate EMDR therapy and traditional talk therapy to help clients move beyond insight and create real, lasting change. Together, we'll work to heal the root causes of your struggles, build healthier relationships, strengthen your confidence, and help you feel more grounded, resilient, and connected to yourself. You don't have to keep carrying everything on your own. I provide online therapy for residents of California and Florida.

I became a therapist because I know what it is like to need extra support through life’s many curveballs. I became a therapist to give back, and am driven by the honor of getting to be a part of someone’s healing journey. I enjoy celebrating successes with my clients! I believe you are the most reliable narrator in your own story, and work with clients to promote empowerment in their own therapeutic experience. I work to create an authentic therapeutic space by utilizing humor, warmth, and collaboration. I empower clients to find answers within themselves and identify solutions that work to relieve their personal stressors. I guide clients to explore underlying thoughts and challenge themselves by emphasizing compassion and safety. I allow time for clients to ask any of their own questions they may have about myself or therapy in general and welcome feedback to ensure clients are receiving the best support possible. Outside of the therapy room, I’m a hobby ballerina! I also play Dungeons&Dragons. I am a firm believer in the importance of honoring our inner child through interests and play.

I always felt that I was called to help others. Growing up in South Los Angeles, I developed a sense of culture and community amongst Black and Brown people as well as a respect for the struggle. I grew up around artists, musicians, poets, leaders, givers, and eccentrics from all walks of life. During this time, I discovered how much I enjoyed listening to people, problem-solving, and motivating others to succeed and explore their authentic selves. I started off as a mentor in undergrad, inspiring other young people of color to attend college and think outside of the box in regards to their futures. I continued working with children, teens, and adults with special needs until I landed a position as an intern at a non-profit mental health agency in South Los Angeles. After I obtained my license as a marriage and family therapist, I continued to grow as a clinician, supervisor, and manager at the nonprofit while also taking on teen and adult clients in the private practice setting. My intake process is a free-flowing conversation where I provide a warm environment for you to feel comfortable opening up about yourself and what brings you to therapy. I used a standard intake questionnaire that can be filled out online and reviewed during the first session in order to assist with goal-setting and creating our therapy journey together. Progress is something that we agree upon collaboratively. I do give assignments as appropriate and depending on the goals we have established together. These assignments are not designed to feel like work but rather stepping stones to help you along on your quest for inner healing and positive change. I enjoy working with clients who want to grow and learn about themselves while tackling life's challenges.

Valencia Counseling is a culturally sensitive private practice providing comprehensive mental health services via telehealth in the state of California. Valencia Counseling is committed to assisting children, adults and families achieve their goals.

Whether you are coping with loss, relationship challenges, emotional neglect, abuse, or systemic stress, you do not have to navigate healing alone. I strive to create a compassionate, supportive space where clients can build autonomy, strengthen coping skills, and develop emotional resilience. My goal is to help my clients better understand how chronic stress impacts emotional well-being and to develop the skills to create meaningful, lasting change. The part I love about this field is seeing my clients transform into the person they've fought hard to become. I have witnessed the impact of mental health needs within my community, therefore, I will support you no matter your class, population, or race. If you've made it this far, thank you for your time. I hope I am a good fit for you! Regards A. LCSW

If you’re feeling stretched thin as a parent, trying to adjust to a new culture, carrying trauma, or facing grief or a major life transition, this space is for you. I believe in the power of continuous growth—both for myself and for the people I work with. My hope is to support you on your journey of self-discovery as you work toward greater balance, healing, and fulfillment in your life. As a child of an immigrant family and a parent to three multicultural, multiracial children, I bring both professional training and lived experience into the therapy space. I understand firsthand the complexities of identity, belonging, and navigating multiple cultural worlds, and I strive to create a space where clients feel seen, respected, and understood. My lived experience as a BIPOC individual in a multicultural community informs my work and allows me to offer a space that offers cultural humility, empathy and openness. It takes courage to explore your story, and I honor that by creating a space where you can feel truly seen and heard. While my work is guided by proven methods like Trauma-Focused CBT and Motivational Interviewing, what that really means for you is a personalized experience focused on healing and resilience; we’ll work on gaining insight and building skills. I also believe in the healing power of a shared laugh; I often use humor to help us navigate the heavy moments with a bit more grace and perspective. My goal is to help you find lasting change and a deeper kindness toward yourself. I believe finding a community is essential for navigating life’s challenges. For me, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has been that vital mental health anchor for 13 years. Although training and coaching has been important, fostering the social connection and personal grit needed to stay mentally healthy has helped me through different life transitions.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

My inspiration to work in the mental health field is to meet the individuals I serve where they are at in their mental health journey. My drive is to provide understanding, empathy, and knowledge to the individuals I work with and to empower them to improve their quality of life. I hope to impact those I serve in a positive way, help them find their strengths, talents and learn to love themselves. Before I was a therapist, I was a certified nurse assistant. As a certified nurse assistant, I saw many of my clients in their most vulnerable state, and alone. I came to find out through my experience that even though I helped my clients with their daily activities, the most important aspect of my job was listening to my clients with an empathetic ear and being by their side during their hardest times. Once I realized I made more of a difference by just listening to my client’s feelings and being there for them, I realized my purpose was to become a therapist. I enjoy building trust and a strong therapeutic alliance with my clients by meeting the client where they are at in their recovery, by utilizing humor and providing a safe and empathic environment for clients to share. The methods, approaches and philosophies I use in treatment to build trust with clients are motivational interviewing, crisis interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused-based therapy, narrative therapy, role-play therapy, strength-based approach, behavioral theory, system theory, empowerment theory, and social theory. I have had the honor to build trust and work with all ages, 0-99 years old. I enjoy working with all people from all backgrounds. I have a background working with children and teens in the foster care system, aging adults in skilled nursing home facilities, individuals in mental health stabilization care, and in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. I am someone who truly values life and believes in making the most of every opportunity to grow and learn. I enjoy learning new things and continuously expanding my knowledge, both personally and professionally. Staying active in my community is very important to me, especially when it comes to advocating for and supporting the people I serve. I take pride in being involved, listening to others’ needs, and working to help create positive change. My passion for helping others, combined with my love for learning and community involvement, motivates me to continue growing and making a meaningful impact wherever I can.

I was inspired to work in mental health care by my father. My father raised me and we were very close. He would always pick me up from school and take me out for ice cream. It was our quality time together where he would encourage me to talk about my day at school. This was the first example of what it was to experience talk therapy. I learned at a young age the importance of self-expression and having someone there to listen to you and validate you. As I got older, I valued my connections that could be built between people when they have friendly conversation or engage in deep conversations. By high school, I knew I wanted to work in the mental health field. When I engage in therapy with you, I will make you feel valued and heard by allowing you to discuss your needs and wants throughout the entire process. You are the Pilot and I am your co-pilot. This is your time, space and therapy session. We will engage in treatment planning together. Our first session will look like me getting an opportunity to know you and what brings you to therapy. I want to know all the things that are going right in your life and what are some of your favorite hobbies and activities you like to engage in. We will work together every step of the way when engaging in treatment planning and what your main focus needs will be. I am also very humorous and feel laughter is the best type of medicine so at times you will find entertainment, but I will be very informative as well. I am also vulnerable, so you will see I will be able to hold space for your tears if needed.

Overwhelmed, scattered, stuck in cycles of anxiety and procrastination. Losing track of time, riding emotional highs and lows, struggling to quiet your mind — and not knowing why. These patterns can be linked to ADHD, and in adults they frequently go unrecognized for years. What builds up in that time isn't just difficulty with focus and follow-through, but criticism, self-doubt, and anxiety that never quite got resolved. The adults I work with are often highly capable people who've built impressive lives, but carry a quiet exhaustion from working twice as hard just to keep up. They mask well in public and struggle privately. My approach integrates multiple evidence-based therapies, including EMDR, a model built on the understanding that your brain has a built-in system for healing — linking difficult or traumatic memories to your adaptive memory network for nervous system healing and cognitive restructuring, so you can move forward with clarity.

I'm Morgan, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of California. I hold a sports background at the elite level and 9 years of experience as a helping professional in various settings which include at a private neuropsychology clinic, serving the community in Santa Clara County, public schools as a Counselor on Campus, and with individuals- both kids and adults alike- who have gone through profound marginalization and disempowering experiences. • Certificate in Montreal Cognitive Assessment MoCA • National Academy of Sports Medicine-Performance Enhancement Specialist Certified NASM-PES *My rates reflect the student discount fee, with sliding scale options offered as well. You may contact me here: https://care.headway.co/providers/morgan-brown?utm_source=pem&utm_medium=direct_link&utm_campaign=212683

Hi, I'm Chris! Im a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with nearly a decade of experience working with diverse populations, including children and adolescents, homeless veterans, individuals struggling with substance use, and almost everything in between. My professional journey has equipped me with a deep understanding of relational dynamics and effective therapeutic techniques designed to alleviate distress in it's many forms and flavors such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and life-cycle transitions. I am passionate about helping clients navigate life's challenges and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

As a therapist with both a personal and professional understanding of trauma, military service, and the LGBTQIA+ community, I’m well aware of the strength required to overcome hardships. That’s why I’m so inspired by my clients’ resilience and their commitment to healing. It’s an honor to stand beside them as they face the tough work of processing adversity, healing trauma and practicing a new way to fight through life’s challenges. I approach therapy with a no-nonsense, trauma-informed, and inclusive mindset. My goal is to create a space where clients feel safe, but also pushed to dig deep and face their realities. I listen closely to their stories, and together, we confront the hard truths. We reshape self-narratives, understanding that the way we speak and think about ourselves, others and the world shapes the way we live. I believe trust in the therapeutic relationship is built through respect. There is no hierarchy in therapy, but rather two people working together for change. I believe in giving clients the space to lead, while collaborating with them to confront patterns and beliefs that no longer serve them. My hope is that every client takes ownership and control over their own healing, with each step being a move toward real, lasting growth.

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Clinical Counseling intern with the Center of Resiliency. I am excited to begin our work together! I am passionate about helping people begin healing from trauma, improve their interpersonal relationships, and work towards the best version of themselves. I work with adults, couples, and adolescents with a range of life challenges, including depression, anxiety and panic management, relationship and interpersonal issues, life changes and adjustments, and PTSD and trauma.

Are you often feeling worried and anxious? Are you finding it hard to manage all of the responsibilities in life? Perhaps, you're feeling stuck or stagnant in life, and seeking purpose and direction. You’re not alone—and you deserve to feel peace, gratitude, and fulfillment in your relationships, your work, and your personal life. Change is possible. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, anger to navigating life transitions, identity formation, parenting and/or grief, I am here to walk with you and empower you to live in freedom. My goal is to help you reconnect—with yourself and with others. I lead with empathy, curiosity and compassion and take the time to understand who you are and the experiences that have shaped you in this world. I team with you to identify goals that fit your needs and equip you to live an empowered life that feels most authentically you. I have a heart for people and helping people live fuller, more connected lives is my passion. Therapy with me is a space where you can show up exactly as you are, feel truly heard, and take steps toward the life you’ve been longing for. Let’s take the first step together. Reach out for a free 15 minute consultation.

I'm Brooke Sundin, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and the owner of Light Minds Child and Family Therapy, a private practice based in Brentwood, Los Angeles. I work with college students and young adults adjusting to new responsibilities and the growing pressures of adulthood. The clients I work with are often dealing with anxiety, OCD, depression, self-esteem struggles, and the life transitions that come with this stage: starting or finishing college, moving to a new city, figuring out relationships, choosing a path, or grieving the version of life you thought you'd have by now. Some of what we work on is symptom-focused. A lot of it is bigger than that, like building a clearer sense of who you are and what you actually want. My approach is collaborative, interactive, and warm. Therapy can be a vulnerable space to step into, and I'm here to cheer you on along the way. I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all model, so I adjust my approach based on what you actually need. I draw on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness. I'm also certified in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) through the Yale Child Study Center, which I use when parents want to be part of the support system. I'm licensed in California, Florida, Utah, and Tennessee, and I see all clients via secure telehealth, which tends to work well for college students juggling class schedules, internships, and a life that doesn't sit still. Reaching out for support is one of the hardest steps, so thank you for considering me. If it seems like we could be a good fit, I'd be honored to learn more about your story and welcome you to the Light Minds family.

Are you feeling worried, stressed and/or overwhelmed on a regular basis? Do you often put other people's wants and needs before your own? Do you experience self-doubt or struggle with low self-esteem that leads you to feel like your thoughts, feelings and opinions are not important? If this sounds like you, you are probably also experiencing burn-out, imposter syndrome, disconnection with your body/emotions, and/or significant life-changes. You want to feel a sense of calm and assurance that you can move through your day with ease. I would be honored to walk this journey alongside you. To hold space for you, to support you and remind you that you have all the tools to lead the life you envision for yourself. If this resonates with you, please feel free to reach out!

I specialize in helping adults and couples overcome anxiety, perfectionism, and people pleasing in their relationships. I will help you understand what your needs are so you can advocate, build boundaries, and thrive in your relationships. I know it can feel isolating to have anxiety, especially when it interferes with communication in your relationships, ability to be productive, present in the moment, and calm. Sometimes the courage in asking for help can help you build more trust in others and in yourself. Once you know your needs, you will feel empowered to make these changes and feel less anxious. With me, you will learn ways to regulate your emotions and communicate more clearly to build confidence and trust. I will work with you at your own pace. We do not have to dive right into what may feel uncomfortable to share. Let's first build trust and ease into the process. If you are interested in working together, I encourage you to reach out. I look forward to hearing from you!

About me I specialize in counseling for diverse college students, student-athletes, and working professionals in healthcare, business, engineering and scientific disciplines. I collaborate with clients to help them resolve anxiety, life transitions, work-life concerns, family or relationship conflict, bereavement, and trauma. ​​My experience spans inpatient, community counseling, employee assistance (EAP), university counseling (CAPS), and D1 athletics settings. I have a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine GSEP, an MBA from Babson College, and completed advanced training in Sport Psychology, CBT, ACT, and IPSRT modalities. My Approach My practice helps high performers overcome the complex stressors of their profession and personal lives using an integrated wellness perspective that combines evidence-based therapy, sport psychology, and holistic mind-body interventions. Taking a person-centered approach that considers unique multicultural identities, I am passionate about helping clients realize their unidentified strengths and resiliency, so they can maximize their compassion at work, in their relationships, and in themselves.