Therapists for college students near UCLA
Five Tribes Therapy
I have been working in the mental health/social services field since 1996 in varying capacities. I was a social worker with the County of San Diego in Child Protective Services, first as a case manager, where I worked in a specialized unit with long-term foster children who had mental health diagnoses. I became a kind of “specialist” in attachment and bonding, and grief and loss issues, as well as issues with identity, be it racial, gender, or other identifications. After taking early retirement from the County in 2011, I decided to focus on the mental health side of social services. I took a job as a therapist and a discharge coordinator at a mental health crisis house, and then as a care manager for patients at inpatient psychiatric facilities for various insurance companies. In August 2013, I finally achieved a long-term dream and opened up my private practice where I continue to be delighted with the creativity and innovation, as well as the diversity of the people I meet every day.
CoCal Counseling
Hi, and welcome! My name is Katelyn, I am a therapist with a background working in university counseling centers. I enjoy supporting students, through the unique challenges of college life. Now in private practice with CoCal Counseling, I continue to help students navigate stress, anxiety, relationships, and life transitions through online sessions. My goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can gain insight, build resilience, and find strategies to thrive both academically and personally. Let’s work together to help you feel more confident, connected, and grounded. You don’t have to navigate this season of your life alone.
Jamila Mahfudh
Everyday feels exactly the same. You want to know what it feels like to live your life in color again instead of living in a world of grey. You're ready to work through the pain and worry so you can pick yourself up, climb out of that hole, and actually get somewhere different--somewhere better that feels more authentic to you. The stress and worry have gotten to the point where it is too much and you know something has to change. It’s time for you to finally get what you need to thrive. I offer a strength-based, outside the box, creative approach to working through your issues that goes beyond regular talk therapy. For instance, have you been through some tough things in life but are not sure you can *talk* about it just yet? I offer Brainspotting where you don't have to say much at all if you don't want to, but can still find relief. Have a meme, an episode of your favorite show, movie, comic, anime, video game or a song that just speaks exactly to your experience? Want to do some therapy and include Animal Crossing? As a Geek Therapist, your worlds and passions can be brought into therapy to help you on your journey if that is a fit for you. Bring your authentic self to therapy--I'm here for it.
Taylor Keller
My style is an honest approach to a client-centered model that allows for the client to guide the direction with my support. Together we can navigate through some of today’s hurdles and stress such as depression/anxiety, trauma, relationship/communication issues, loss/grief/bereavement, and family conflict. With the mutual understanding that we may not be able to change certain aspects of our life, I am here to help you process, adjust expectations, cope, improve communication skills, set boundaries, and strengthen your resilience. My skillset utilizes Cognitive Behavioral and Solution Focused Techniques, Motivational Interviewing, and a Strength-Based approach. My goal is to help clients identify and remove barriers that may be hindering a healthier and improved life by working to increase optimism, self-awareness, and maintenance for a strong sense of self. 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.
Elevating Mental Health
I hold certification for integrative psychiatric care and ADHD treatment. I hold a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Psychiatric-Mental Health from State University of New York Upstate Medical University where I received comprehensive training in both the theoretical and practical aspects of psychiatric care. My education equipped me with knowledge of mental health disorders, advanced clinical skills, and evidence-based treatment approaches. This rigorous academic background, combined with hands-on clinical experience across diverse settings, has prepared me to offer compassionate and effective care to individuals with a wide range of mental health needs.
Kathleen Pederson
I was inspired to become a therapist as a young child, with the value of wanting to help others. Early in my career I had many mentors who encouraged me to become a therapist, they believed in me. In some moment, I realized I wanted to help people believe in themselves and to see their own possibilities. Validation is one of the most important tools I value as a therapist and as a person. I use the phrase, validate the other person’s reality that may be different from your own. I teach clients to self validate, to know what you experienced is true and real. I value the process of creating this safe space where one can see themselves just as they are. I ask for feedback to see if how I respond through validation fits for the client, if they felt heard and validated. My first response is over time. I think trust is built with consistency. I tend to follow a consistent pattern in session, I try to have a beginning, middle and end to every session. The beginning can be more of a welcoming and social experience. The middle can be sharing and revealing the deeper part of a person and what they are going through. This can feel emotional and intense at times. The end, is closure. I will help a client have some closure at the end of every session. I talk to the client about next steps, how will you spend the time after the session, and confirm when we will meet next.
Lili Nakita Kroutilina
Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed in your life? Lost your sense of self and confidence?Confused by how to set boundaries and build healthy relationships? Wanting to really know yourself and live a life with meaning and purpose? I am here for you! I can help you understand what is happening in your life and how you can heal, grow, and transform to be living the life you want. I believe I have the tools and experience from being a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Certified Somatic Ecotherapist, and Certified Holistic Health Practitioner. I have a gentle yet directive style, actively engaging in a therapeutic coaching manner I have a trauma-informed, holistic style based on mindfulness, somatic psychology, ecotherapy, DBT, expressive arts, humanistic psychology, CBT, transpersonal psychology, NVC, neuroscience, and spirituality. I have experience supporting LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, immigrants, alternative lifestyles and relationships, and artists/musicians/creatively minded individuals I have a strong passion for helping individuals find guidance within themselves, feel empowered, live their truth, and find meaning and greater purpose within themselves, their communities, and the world. Please feel free to email at lilinakitamft@gmail.com to set up a consultation today!
Primavera Counseling
Hello! We provide culturally competent individual therapy and couples counseling. Our focus is to provide you with a space where you feel safe to engage in the therapeutic process. The types of therapy and services we provide include EMDR therapy, therapy for Latin/x/e and BIPOC, therapy for LGBTQ+, therapy for depression and anxiety, and therapy to address relationship issues.
Peace-It-Together Counseling Agency
Peace-It-Together Counseling Agency provides prevention and intervention counseling services to at-risk youth and offers affordable mental health care services to vulnerable populations in our community. We recognize many people do not have the necessary insurance to seek mental health services. PIT intentionally offers lower fee counseling to individuals, children, teens, families, couples, and the older-aging population to help those who would not ordinarily be able to afford counseling. We make our services affordable by offering them on a sliding scale based on your income. The Peace-It-Together staff knows the unique stressors students carry as many of our staff are also students. Our counselors can provide students with stress reduction strategies to help with school performance anxiety and other school-related stressors. Juggling work, school, and relationships can be overwhelming at times. Our staff is here to help support you and listen to your concerns. We can offer interventions to help you thrive.
Gwendolyn Carlson
I help my clients to develop new strategies that allow them to cope, heal, and pursue what is important to them. I would describe my therapeutic approach as collaborative, supportive, genuine, and goal-oriented. I believe everyone can benefit from therapy. I believe it is important to learn about the relationships among our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. With this knowledge we can identify and practice a combination of acceptance and change skills to move forward in a desired direction. I am trained in the delivery of multiple evidence-based therapies, and I use my training to help my clients achieve their goals. Knowledge, science, and ongoing self-reflection guide my therapeutic approach and therapy sessions are tailored to the unique needs of each individual. 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.
Alex Rowell
You have taken a big and brave first step into bettering yourself and addressing your mental well-being. I have worked with individuals from various different backgrounds and identities treating a wide array of mental conditions. In our collaborative work together, we will process and explore barriers that may be inhibiting you from your full human potential. Counseling can feel like a scary and overwhelming experience, but know that this is the first step to bettering yourself. Counseling can improve both your personal relationships with family and friends and give you a sense of fulfillment in your life. Together we can build a working relationship to discover ways to reduce your current condition while examining patterns that affect your interpersonal relationships based on cognitive processes. I practice from a psychodynamic framework, which is defined as exploring people's emotions, thoughts, motivations, and behaviors that are outside of our awareness. *Please note that I am only seeing students via Telehealth as my practice is now 100% remote.* My areas of interests and expertise include working with adults, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, work burnout, trauma, interpersonal relationships, men and masculinities, gender identity, new fatherhood, porn addiction, and self-compassion. I aim to create a safe space to process aspects that may seem like a hindrance to reaching your full potential.
Lilia Wang
I have always been passionate about understanding others. I believe that most peoples’ actions and beliefs make sense once you understand the full context of their stories. However, we often judge others instead of taking the time to do this. Having a non-judgmental space to explore one’s emotions and experiences is a gift I believe everyone should have access to. Therapy is special because in addition to providing that non-judgmental space, I also can offer practical tools and support for mental health based on my education and experience as a therapist. During our first session, I will ask you to share about why you are seeking therapy and what goals feel important to you. Then, we’ll talk about the ways I can support you in reaching those goals. It’s important to know that I always assume the best in my clients, and my only goal for you is that you are able to live in a way that aligns with your own values and aspirations. Sometimes, I will point out when my clients actions don’t align with their values, as this enables us to truly reflect and grow. Every client has a different comfort level when it comes to how much and how soon they share things with me. I build trust with my clients by showing up consistently and honestly, and I trust that my clients will share things with me when they’re ready. In my past work, I have especially connected with young adults who are processing childhood trauma. I also have had many Asian American clients who are interested in further exploring their cultural identities in therapy. Whatever your background, it would be an honor to work with you and be part of your story.
Ariel Escobedo
As a dedicated bilingual (English/Spanish) speaking mental health practitioner, I am deeply committed to facilitating the emotional healing journey for adults. My practice is rooted in a person-centered philosophy, where I specialize in integrating a comprehensive array of therapeutic approaches. These include Internal Family Systems Therapy, Brief Strategic Family Therapy, the Gottman Method, Collaborative Couples Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Care. This eclectic mix of methodologies enables me to create a bespoke healing experience for each client, meticulously tailored to address their unique needs and challenges. My approach is inherently collaborative, emphasizing a partnership with individuals, families, and couples who entrust their care to me. By combining these diverse psychotherapy techniques, I aim to foster a nurturing and empathetic space that supports clients in navigating their emotional landscapes. It is a privilege to have worked with clients from almost every continent, including those from diverse backgrounds and walks of life. This global experience enriches my practice, enhancing my ability to understand and cater to various emotional and psychological needs. 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.
Megan Montague
As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I understand just how important it is to find the right person when life feels overwhelming. With a warm, caring, and non-judgmental approach, I have helped many clients feel safe and comfortable enough to overcome plaguing issues and create lasting change. While my therapeutic approach is based in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and other evidence-based practices, my therapeutic style changes to meet the unique needs of each individual client. I look forward to helping you on your journey to a happier and more fulfilled life. 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.
Kyle Hinson
I use a client centered approach where the client works with me in deciding the direction of treatment. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive skills and experience working with clients from age 4 to 70 with various issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. I quickly assist my clients in learning appropriate coping skills to assist with any intense feelings they are experiencing at the start of treatment. We then begin meeting weekly to explore those feelings as we work toward the goals established during the assessment process. 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.
Marissza Cavin
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. I work with those struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance use, and relational issues. I gravitate toward using Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Gottman methods in my approach to build understanding of your inner dialogue, your values, and how to create more fulfillment in your life. While working with couples, I support building trust through assertion practice, role playing, shifting toward appreciation, and improving communication techniques especially when in conflict. My therapeutic style is a balance of building trust through understanding and asking intentional questions to get to the heart of the issue. My approach integrates processing unaddressed emotions, challenging unhelpful narratives, and building new strategies to manage life stressors in its many stages. 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.
Ramona Benner
I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ identified folx, highly empathic or sensitive individuals (HSPs), and those who are dealing with the impacts of antagonistic or high-conflict individuals. Life can feel overwhelming. Within a collaborative setting, we can explore ways to make life feel more manageable and, ultimately, more enjoyable. The quality of the therapeutic relationship itself has been shown to significantly influence treatment outcomes. My approach emphasizes authenticity and the idea that growth can happen while in a nourishing setting. I assist clients with developing sustainable coping strategies, uncovering patterns, and navigating relational dynamics. My goal is to help clients find realistic solutions within their unique circumstances. I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which can address symptoms and emotional distress caused by traumatic events. 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.
Clark Family Counseling Center, Inc.
I specialize in supporting adults, teens and children struggling with anxiety, trauma, and patterns of people-pleasing or overthinking. Using a compassionate, person-centered approach, I help you build healthy coping skills, process difficult experiences, and create healthier relationships with yourself and others. Together, we’ll work to help you find peace and confidence. Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but you're already showing strength by exploring your options. You deserve support, healing, and a space where you feel heard. I offer virtual individual therapy for clients in California, providing compassionate care tailored to your needs. If you're ready to take the next step toward healing, I’m here to help. Clark Family Counseling Center is a safe space for you to heal emotional patterns and behaviors so you become the best version of yourself. Book your therapy appointment today.
James White
If you are a spiritual/religious person, I am committed to helping you use the articles of your faith as a resource in a respectful way, but I do not approach therapy from a religious framework. I am open and accepting of LGBTQ+. I have been doing psychotherapy full time for over 3 decades, so I am a seasoned therapist. My first training was Cognitive-Behavioral, and it remains foundational to how I work with clients, but with experience I have incorporated parts of many other approaches, so "eclectic" is a label that also fits. I believe that education is important early in the therapy process, helping clients identify "what problem(s) are my symptoms trying to solve?" Utilizing our ability to think accurately is basic to constructing approaches to our challenges that are most likely to be successful. I am NOT a passive therapist who will sit with you while you "find your answers within." I've spent my career trying to find out what approaches work best in dealing with our challenges, and I like to think I have found some. I will actively share my thoughts as we explore your life issues. I will use humor in the therapeutic process so if you are looking for a "deadly serious at all times" therapist, I may not be a good fit for you. Ultimately, I am responsible for my "side of the street" in therapy, providing tools, insights, and respectful support with integrity. My clients' "side of the street" include being as open and honest as possible in session, and as brave as possible as you try new (and probably uncomfortable) things in order to improve your life. My best wishes for you to have a successful therapeutic journey. 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.
Michael Langlois
When people come to treatment with problems, it is important to remember that they are trying to cope with them in the best way they can. With that in mind, I offer a reflective and engaging partnership with my clients, working toward the goal of helping them to be autonomous, authentic and compassionate in a world that can be extremely stressful. Although my work is solidly grounded in psychodynamic, cognitive/learning, and systems theories, my approach is client-centered, practical and strengths-based. I bring honesty, warmth, and humor to the therapy relationship. I am LGBTQ affirmative and invested in doing cross-cultural therapy which is culturally sensitive. I have a dog, Bracket, who works with me, and I have been doing AAT since 2002. There is a growing body of research which suggests that AAT (Animal-Assisted Therapy) can be helpful with a range of diagnoses, including Depression, PTSD, and Autistic Spectrum. Many therapists know little about online games such as World of Warcraft and Second Life. They may dismiss it as unimportant, or assume it is a problem. I am a gamer-affirmative therapist, meaning I’m more interested in understanding your in-world experience and activity than pathologizing it.