Therapists for college students near UCLA

Clients I work with are typically struggling with perfectionism, eating disorders, body image issues, anxiety, depression, and difficulty with the college transition. I want to learn about your unique story so that we can create meaningful positive change in your life. As your therapist, I like to focus on staying in the present moment, finding skills to regulate emotions, and tapping into your mind/body/spirit. Because of my own background and identities, I am passionate about working with athletes, LGBTQ folks, People of Color, and trans-racial adoptees. I am located in Los Angeles and work with clients throughout California using a secure Telehealth platform, Simple Practice.

I have many years of clinical experience, working with individuals, couples, teens, adults with a variety of life issues and behavioral health conditions. I use multiple evidence-based methods that assist in facilitating wellness, personal growth and alleviating distress quickly. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.

I was inspired to become a therapist because I have always had a passion for helping people in whatever way that I can, without judgement and assumptions. I continue to be inspired on a daily basis by the work that I do with my clients, and helping guide them to the solutions that they are looking for in therapy. I believe in the idea of ensuring that clients feel heard, understood and validated in what they are feeling. I ensure this by providing a safe, nonjudgmental therapy space for clients to feel comfortable in opening up about what brought them into therapy and how we can work through those concerns. Clients are encouraged to additionally express any concerns that they have should those arise. I speak with my clients on the idea of collaboration throughout treatment, as well as building a strong therapeutic rapport from the start. I bring in a sense of humor, respect and honesty about things as well. In addition to all of this, I allow for my clients to speak their mind about what is impacting them, and to provide them that space in order to express those feelings. I am a big proponent of positive self-care, something that I encourage my client to utilize throughout each week. I share my enjoyment of listening to music, watching sports, reading, physical activities, and playing guitar. It helps open the door to discussion about self-care techniques that clients can utilize when they are experiencing difficulties in their lives.

Are you ready to make a change in your life? Is there a pattern you keep repeating in relationships that you want to let go of? Do you want to feel comfortable and happy in your own skin? Is your past affecting your present in debilitating ways you want to change? Your brain is naturally wired for change, the neuroplasticity in your brain allows you to form new neural connections breaking free of limiting beliefs. Therapy taps into this ability, and provides tangible skills for you to learn and connect to your own healing power. An experienced hand makes all the difference in healing and awakening to your best self. Specializing in trauma I’m holistic in my approach looking at the flow of energy in you as a whole being: Spirit, Mind, and Body. I interweave Mindfulness, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Attachment Focused Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (AF-EMDR) to fit your unique needs and together we take a journey to the possible.

Hi, I'm Ava (she/they). I'm a therapist specializing in the treatment of OCD, eating disorders, and trauma. I'm particularly passionate about providing therapy to the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. As someone who is part of these communities, I have firsthand experience with difficulty finding a therapist who truly “gets” me without making assumptions or generalizations.

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 specialize in supporting college students who feel overwhelmed by the challenges of campus life—from managing academic pressure and navigating new social environments to handling personal transitions and stress. I understand that many students share common experiences such as balancing coursework, part-time work, and relationships, while also grappling with uncertainty about the future. Who I Help My approach works best for students who: Feel anxious about their studies or future career choices. Struggle with balancing social life, academics, and personal well-being. Are navigating significant life transitions (e.g., moving away from home, starting new relationships). Need a supportive, non-judgmental space to talk through their challenges. How I Work I use clear, everyday language to explain ideas and strategies—no confusing jargon here. Whether you're dealing with stress, low self-esteem, or just need someone to listen, my goal is to help you understand your situation better and build practical steps toward a healthier, more balanced life. Why This Might Be Right for You If you’re a student looking for a compassionate professional who understands the unique pressures of campus life, we might be a great fit. I’m here to help you explore your feelings, develop strategies to manage stress, and set you on a path toward personal growth and success.

My professional and confidential counseling service offers an opportunity for you to reach your goals and the best version of yourself without leaving the comfort of your home with telemental health counseling. Individuals and Couples can participate in a counseling service that is tailored to meet your individualized needs. I am here to listen, support, encourage, guide and coach. I partner with you to create an effective plan that best fits your needs at a pace that is comfortable for you.

Call 818-927-0478 for a same day intake appointment with our office and therapy appointment in as little as 3 days. We are professionally trained in evidenced based practices that will help you maximize your full potential. We will provide you with enthusiastic support, an objective perspective and the insight that you need to feel supported and the best you that you can be. Our Mission at Find Your Balance Center At Find Your Balance, Center for Growth & Change, our mission is simple but powerful: to create a world where mental health is prioritized and accessible to all. ​We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive — regardless of their background or financial circumstances. That’s why we proudly accept a variety of health plans, including Medi-Cal, ensuring that quality mental health care is not a privilege, but a right. ​​Because when care is accessible, communities grow stronger. When mental health is prioritized, lives transform. Together, we’re building a culture where seeking help is a sign of strength — not limitation. We have over 45 clinicians to choose from. www.findyourbalancecenter.com

I am certified in utilizing interventions from multisystemic therapy, which specializes in working with families and adolescents that may be experiencing behavioral concerns with aggression, lack of following rules or boundaries in the home or community, commercial sexual exploitation, and substance abuse. I specialize in empowering clients to work on increasing their insightfulness and targeting attainable goals for their desired outcomes for counseling. I provide a safe environment to discuss strategies to help clients cope with their emotional obstacles so they can be better prepared to find effective solutions to their unique challenges. I can utilize interventions that are commonly utilized in multisystemic therapy to help empower caregivers to increase their parental hierarchy in the home to help decrease their adolescent’s at-risk behaviors. I am a therapist at Octave, a behavioral health practice creating a new standard for mental health care that’s both high-quality and accessible. To learn more about my availability, please reach out to our Client Experience team by emailing or calling.

You may understand your patterns—people-pleasing, self-criticism, or struggles with food—but still feel stuck. I help you work through the deeper patterns driving these experiences so you can feel less shame and build a stronger sense of self-worth.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Daily work stress, relationship conflicts, past unhealed trauma, life stressors that just seem unmanageable - all of these things impact our well being and our ability to function well in many areas of our lives. I am passionate about helping people navigate these circumstances and find relief through self-compassion, validation and self-empowerment. My style of therapy is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and client centered therapy - I am here to walk with you on this healing journey and provide support and a safe space. I have been practicing for 13 years with a bulk of my experience in a medical setting helping people navigate emotional and physical trauma, stressful family/relationship dynamics, adjustment to illness/injury, anxiety and depression. I am passionate about holding a space for individuals who are struggling and finding their way back to peace and balance. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.

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.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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.

What inspires me to work as a therapist is the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution on a daily basis. As an immigrant woman of color, who is bilingual and bi-cultural, my family’s struggle to achieve mental health despite deep seated stigma and shame illuminated my commitment to work as a therapist. Clients are the owners of their lives, and I respectfully honor their right to self-determination. A basic guiding principle in my therapeutic work is that clients are able to succeed when they choose their goals and their psychological needs are met. As such, it is my job to encourage competence and mastery of their own paths. That is, what works is what works for the client! Trust is the cornerstone that allows positive growth in therapy, which for me includes empathy, validation, and unconditional positive regard of the client. Reinforcing that we are all doing the best we can, and that coming to therapy is not a failure, but rather it is a growth opportunity.

**Welcoming New Clients in CA and TX** Adulting is already hard enough; throw in infertility, postpartum depression/anxiety, pregnancy following loss (heIlo, anxiety!), loss/grief, trauma, relationship/communication issues and family conflict and now you've got discomfort, unpleasant feelings, disconnection and stress. While we may not be able to change all of the obstacles in your life, we can definitely work together to adjust expectations, reinforce coping skills, strengthen resilience, improve communication skills, set boundaries and elicit clarity and direction. We work collaboratively to support clients (after all, you are the expert on your own life) to utilize the strengths you already possess, identify obstacles and challenge unhelpful thoughts or patterns. We specialize in pregnancy following loss, infertility, miscarriage/infant loss, bereavement, trauma, anxiety, depression, family conflict, relational issues. Change is so hard! It can be overwhelming to consider what life would feel like without distress and uneasiness. However, you are more courageous than you give yourself credit for- you've made it this far, after all! Together, we can have candid conversation about your feelings and concerns and support your shift toward clarity, balance and stability.

Sylvia Sandler, LMFT is an EMDR-trained, bilingual/bicultural psychotherapist offering virtual individual counseling to California residents. Her areas of clinical focus include anxiety and depression, grief, suicide bereavement, immigration-related stress, and caregiver support and burnout prevention. Sylvia draws on her own grief journey, together with professional training from the Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center, to help clients build the confidence to make the changes needed for mental wellness, resilience, and hope. Using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-informed interventions, Sylvia helps clients identify and challenge negative beliefs and move toward a more balanced, adaptive perspective on their circumstances. Along the way, clients gain tools to slow down, attune to their bodies, and reconnect with their own sense of empowerment. Sylvia provides virtual sessions exclusively, serving clients throughout California. To learn more or schedule a free phone consultation, visit: www.sylviajsandlerlmft.com.

Hi, I’m Jeremy. I work with thoughtful, high-functioning graduate or university students who often appear successful on the outside but feel stuck, overwhelmed, or anxious underneath. Many are navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, or a persistent sense that something in their life or work isn’t quite aligned. Many have tried therapy before—or spent a lot of time thinking things through on their own—but still feel like something isn’t shifting. My approach is different. I combine depth with practical movement. We don’t only explore what’s going on—we focus on how to shift it in a grounded, realistic way that fits your actual life. Therapy with me is collaborative, active, and focused on helping you regain clarity, direction, and momentum in areas that feel stuck or uncertain—whether that’s relationships, work, identity, or decision-making. I have over a decade of experience supporting adults through life transitions and identity shifts. I received my clinical training at Columbia University’s School of Social Work and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California and Washington.