Therapists for college students near UCLA

Life is difficult. Yet when we accept this reality, our lives change dramatically for the better. Our fear, sadness, and anger is often what is keeping us from facing the vital facts of our lives which need to be addressed. The more effective we are at soothing ourself, the more courageous we become. For it is often overwhelming pain that paralyzes us or leads us to mindlessly react in ways that sabotage our peace and happiness. I teach you how to calm yourself and effectively solve the problems you face. I collaborate with you as you learn how to influence your subconscious mind which is as much as 95 percent of thinking. We work together so you can realize your dreams in your relationships and career.

I am here as a safe and inviting collaborator, let’s work together to address life difficulties nonjudgmentally. My role is to assist you in your process, supporting you in navigating your experiences and empowering you to apply the insights gained in therapy to your life. I am passionate about wellness and plan to join you with genuine curiosity and address any difficulties with mental health symptoms, shame and guilt, phases of life, relationships, grief, sense of self, disconnection, decision-making, anxiety, depression, and more. I offer sessions in-person in nature-based settings in Long Beach or via telehealth video. I'm available most weekdays and in the evenings.

My practice specialization is focused on women’s issues and perinatal mental health. In response to the recent changes in access to women's reproductive healthcare, many of us are feeling confused, scared, (and p*ssed off!). I provide a safe space for women to process whatever emotions they may be feeling as a result of their direct experiences or related to future concerns. I believe that the relationship between clinician & client is the foundation for a successful therapy experience. Please know that I realize how difficult it is to connect with a “stranger” when you are feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable. Therapy can be challenging, but it can also be very enlightening. It can also be light-hearted & fun. (I guarantee a few laughs during each session!) I utilize a variety of therapy techniques, which ultimately allows for flexibility in making sure that you get what you need in a way that works for you.

You have to be strong all the time. You feel stuck. You can’t sleep. You feel your heart racing. There’s tension in your back and tightness in your body. And it feels so heavy. Sometimes you may even cry when you’re alone and have feelings you want to let out, but hide them in fear you will be judged. You’re exhausted. But life feels so busy it's hard to slow down. You find you are having doubts about yourself and abilities. Maybe you are repressing parts of who you are. You are struggling to say “no” and taking on more responsibilities that leave you feeling burnt out. Perhaps there are parts of you that desire personal growth. You deserves to slow down, prioritize yourself and heal. In therapy you can be you, rebuild and grow. This is your time! You are taking the first step by seeking therapy. You will have a space to feel safe and free from judgement. We can navigate your struggles together. You are worth the time and work. It would be my honor to guide you through this journey of personal growth and healing. You already have everything inside you to live the life you want. Let’s bring it out together. Contact me to schedule a FREE consultation. Si tienes preguntas contactame para una consulta GRATIS. *A few Reduced fee slots of $90 available.

College can feel overwhelming—whether you're dealing with anxiety, stress about the future, relationship struggles, or just trying to figure out who you are. I work best with students who are ready to be real, even if they’re not sure where to start. You don’t have to have all the answers to begin therapy. I offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space where we can explore what’s going on beneath the surface and build tools that help you feel more grounded and confident. If you’re feeling stuck, burnt out, or just need someone to talk to, I’m here to help you figure things out one step at a time.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I was born a helper and my experience in the navy enhanced my desire to help others who are struggling with mental health issues regardless of how small or how big. As a therapist I want to be able to help those who are courageous enough to seek help to improve their mental health. Being heard and understood in each session is important for every client and encourages vulnerability and completion of recommended treatment. I support this by actively listening to them, validate their emotions, ask clarifying questions, paraphrase what they say to confirm understanding, and maintain eye contact. As a therapist I know how important it is to have a healthy and therapeutic relationship with each client because no two clients are alike. I utilize active listening skills, demonstrate genuine empathy, maintain an open line of communication, and create a safe space for vulnerability to support the development of a trusting and strong therapeutic alliance with each of my clients. A key element in me building a therapeutic alliance with each client is being transparent about the therapeutic process and assisting each client with setting individualized realistic treatment goals.

I offer a BIPOC and LGBTQ+ safe place. I am passionate about supporting clients through life difficulties and transitions. I have extensive experience working with individuals and families in public agencies and community-based settings. I approach therapy from a trauma-informed, systems-based, humanistic perspective: focusing on strengths and self-compassion. My therapy style is collaborative and relational. I aim to help clients live the life they truly envision for themselves, integrating practices from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Ego State/Internal Family Systems, and Solution-Focused modalities.

I come from a trauma-informed theoretical orientation. I believe that attachment is often the root of many challenges. I work from a cognitive-behavioral lens with a narrative approach. I am informed by psychodynamic and social-emotional developmental models (Piaget, Erickson, Freud, Maslow). I also use techniques and interventions integrating art, worksheets, media, and psychoeducational books or articles. I have training in motivational interviewing, adoption competency certification, ASIST suicide training, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, psychodynamic, art, and narrative therapies. Ultimately though, rapport and relationship are the building blocks of a strong therapeutic alliance and identifying the client’s theory of change and providing treatment through the lens that they most identify with is the approach I take and why I have an eclectic therapeutic repertoire. 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 help teens and young adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, stress management, self-criticism/perfectionism, and improving communication and relationships. I apply multiple techniques including CBT and mindfulness practices.

I am a Doctor of Social Work and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with 9 years of professional work experience. My background involves working with anxiety, depression, interpersonal conflict, and difficulties with self-worth. My experience population spans with a variety of ages and cultures, including minority communities, the LGBTQ community, and alternative lifestyles. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. By using a mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Motivational Interviewing, we will tailor your treatment plan to meet your unique, specific needs. Navigating life is tough, and I am here to support you in that 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.

I welcome clients wishing to work on a variety of life's challenges. I specialize in anxiety, panic, stress, self-esteem, depression, and school/work/life balance. I offer a complimentary phone consult, where we can learn more about each other, answer any questions and decide if it feels like a good fit. I've spent the last several years specializing in the college transition, college students, and challenges faced after graduation, as young professionals under unique work/life stressors in Silicon Valley. I believe in working together as a team to create treatment approaches that work best for each unique person. With a calm, genuine and approachable nature, I offer an experience/environment where clients feel safe, supported and encouraged on their path of growth and self-discovery. If this is your first time seeking therapy, I encourage openness, hopefulness and understanding around nervousness and apprehension. I believe in the inherent strengths of the individual. Utilizing a strength-based approach encourages each individual to discover their own special qualities and build upon them, to overcome challenges and create their best self. I feel honored to hear your story. You will find a warm and non-judgmental, human and authentic presence in my work. I also enjoy mentoring and supervising associates, helping other therapists grow and improving experiences within the counseling and psychotherapy field.

Prior to being a therapist, I worked in community mental health care in San Diego and San Francisco for nine years. I believe community care and mental wellness are so important for the well-being of individuals and our communities as a whole. I practice therapy from a strengths-based, trauma-informed perspective. Engaging in therapy can be a big step, and I aim to be a supportive guide on my clients’ therapeutic journeys. I like working collaboratively with clients to identify specific solutions that can help improve overall quality of life. I practice therapy from a solution-focused, strengths-based, trauma-informed approach. I utilize elements of CBT, DBT, Person Centered, Narrative and Mindfulness-Based Therapy in sessions to support my clients toward well-being and growth.

Welcome to my practice! I'm Kristen Ackerman, LMFT. I understand that college can be a rollercoaster of experiences. Whether you're riding the highs of newfound freedom or managing the lows of homesickness and academic stress, I'm here to offer support every step of the way. I specialize in helping individuals like you adjust to the transition of moving away from home, finding your footing amidst academic demands, and striking a balance between your studies and social life. Whether you're seeking to develop meaningful friendships or intimate relationships, I'm here to lend a listening ear and provide guidance. Navigating peer pressure is also a common challenge in college life, and I'm here to help you tackle those situations with confidence. Additionally, I have extensive experience supporting individuals dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, self-esteem issues, and identity exploration. No matter what you're facing, you don't have to go through it alone. I understand that finances can be tight for students, which is why I offer flexible rate options. My goal is to make therapy accessible and affordable for everyone who needs it. My therapy services are personalized to meet your unique needs. I utilize evidence-based practices such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness, while also integrating talk therapy for comprehensive support. I strive to create an environment where you feel comfortable and empowered to explore and grow. If you're ready to take the first step towards personal growth and making lasting changes, I invite you to reach out for a free consultation. Whether you prefer to call, email, or text, I'm here to support you on your journey.

Hi! My name is Mary and I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist and Somatic Experiencing practitioner based in Southern California. Are you struggling with your emotions in a chaotic world? Unsure of how to support yourself through a life transition? Or just wanting support to find your full potential? Let me meet you where you are at in your journey to help you understand how to support yourself through difficult and complex times. I work with individuals of all ages in the therapy space. If you are searching for the best version of yourself, no matter your background, you are supported in this space to make that discovery. I have a special focus on women's issues and how mental health and physical health go hand in hand to find a balance. My journey to becoming a therapist started many years ago with an introduction to Jungian psychology and working with my own dreams to understand who I was becoming as a person. It has inspired me to be a more curious individual and to impart that knowledge to my clients in the therapy space.

To be honest, “telling your story” or expressing your thoughts and feelings was not always a great experience, was it? Maybe your words (and pain) seemed to fall on deaf ears or somehow become twisted and misconstrued—sometimes used against you. You spoke, which was good, but you were not heard… and that hurts. So you silenced yourself—“maybe I should keep quiet...nobody understands”. Well, as a woman of God (who was once silenced herself), I’ve developed a very heavy conviction to be a listening ear for others who not only wish to speak, but also desire to be HEARD. That, plus understanding, is the beginning of healing and freedom. I enjoy helping individuals, couples and families through past and current challenges using faith-integrated techniques and theoretical approaches. My therapeutic style is purposed to provide you with a safe space to identify and express how your thoughts/beliefs are impacting your emotions and behavior; and thus, your life and relationships with loved ones.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am passionate about helping college students navigate life's challenges with empathy and understanding. Let's work together to create positive change.

You’ve always been the one others lean on, and the go-to problem solver. Your known to be the steady hand in chaos, but no one sees what it costs you. But lately, it’s been harder to hide how much it’s costing you. You come home drained, carrying the weight of everyone else’s needs. Even when your body screams for rest, you keep going because slowing down feels dangerous. You’ve trained yourself to stay calm, to keep it all together… even when you’re unraveling inside. Maybe you lie awake at night, replaying conversations, second-guessing decisions, silently asking, “Am I doing enough? Am I enough?” Therapy gives you something you rarely get: a space that’s just for you. No pressure to perform, no need to hold it all together, just room to breathe, and be real. I’ll ask the kind of questions that help you understand what’s really happening underneath the anxiety, the overthinking, or the emotional shutdown your may be feeling. In our sessions, we move at your pace. I’ll invite you to share what’s on your mind, and I’ll meet it with care and curiosity, not judgment. I might ask things like, “Can you tell me more?” or say, “I hear you say that… am I right?” Because your story matters, you deserve to feel seen in it. We’ll use tools like a feelings chart to gently reconnect you with your emotions especially the ones you’ve had to push aside just to get through the day. You’ll learn to set boundaries that could help you feel like your taking care of yourself without feeling guilty. Little by little, you start to feel different, more present, more steady, more like you. You start to trust your emotions instead of stuffing them down. You'll recognize your needs, and you honor them not with an apology, but with clarity. The constant pressure to be everything for everyone? It softens. The worry that you’re not enough? It quiets. You still show up for the people you love, but now, you’re showing up for yourself, too. You'll start to feel calmer, clearer, and more connected to yourself and others. Therapy can be the space where you finally feel seen, heard, and supported. If you’re ready, I’m here. Let’s talk.

I work with my clients to create an open, trusting and safe environment where anything can be shared. My approach to therapy is to work collaboratively with clients to build a strong therapeutic alliance. In my practice, I use different therapeutic approaches depending on what works best for the client, including client-centered therapy (being congruent with the client, providing unconditional positive regard, and empathic understanding), a biopsychosocial approach, and/or Solution Focused Therapy. I believe that clients want to change, are the experts in their own desires and goals, and have the resources and inner strengths to overcome their mental health issues. My goal is to assist clients to move towards a future that they want by successfully addressing any issues that they might be facing or having difficulty resolving. 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.