Therapists for college students near University of Southern California

As a queer therapist, I believe there is no one “right way” to live our lives. This is the same for therapy, there is no “right way.” I believe we all have the power to harness our strengths and find the path that gives us the most meaning and purpose. Clients are the experts in their own lives – each person has the tools and skills to solve their problems, though sometimes may need some outside help to find those tools and learn those skills. Together we can create a therapeutic alliance that is conducive towards self-discovery, growth, and fulfilling your potential while honoring your history, resiliency, values, and beliefs. I completed my Masters in Social Work at Loyola University Chicago. I am working towards being a Certified Sex Therapist (CST) through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). I specialize in working with the LGBTQ+ community, gender diverse, the consensual non-monogamy (CNM) community, and I am kink/BDSM-affirming.

Many of the students I work with appear to have everything under control, yet privately feel overwhelmed, anxious, or unsure of themselves. You may be struggling with stress, perfectionism, relationships, family expectations, loneliness, depression, or major life transitions. Some students are navigating identity, independence, or the challenges of balancing academics, work, and personal life. Others simply feel stuck in patterns they don't fully understand. My goal is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can better understand yourself, build resilience, strengthen relationships, and create lasting change.

I am a CA-based therapist providing virtual therapy for LGBTQ+ teens and young adults with depression. I take an individualized and depth-based approach, following each client's lead and exploring how past relationships and experiences impact the present and future. I excel with first-timers to therapy, as well as folks who have been in therapy before and found the worksheet- and skills-based approaches unhelpful.

Hi there, I’m Dr. Andy Nguyen. I tend to see the overworked and overwhelmed. Maybe you reached the top of the mountain only to ask, now what? An adamant voice says there is no life worth leading unless you are exceptional. Or you manage things on the surface seamlessly only to feel empty behind closed doors. It would make so much sense. Our environment has demanded more in recent times—be more, do more, have more—all at once. It is not by chance we exist in the age of superheroes and social media. There are bigger shoes for us to grow into yet not enough room to play or tend to the inner person. I offer intensive, relational psychotherapy as a form of a reset—what does that mean? We absorb so much in our environment that it becomes difficult to decipher what is ours and what belongs to those tasked to take care of us. We learned ways to survive that have become rote without our conscious awareness—most of us are even rewarded for it. Perhaps these no longer serve us. My job is to uncover these patterns and gently make room for experiences that bring more inner life. Naturally, this expands into fuller work, school, and relationships. This can take place in one-on-one therapy or a group format in real-time. I am a transplant who immigrated from Southeast Asia at a young age. My story offers me a unique sensibility in making contact with adolescents and adults when their world is in upheaval, no matter how universal. I invite folks from various spectrums and backgrounds who do not feel reflected nor understood in our mainstream collective to reach out and have an initial meeting. My style is adaptive. I am oftentimes honest yet reassuring with kindness and a sense of humor.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I'm here as you navigate a challenge that has arisen for you. Perhaps, there is a specific situation you want to sort through, or maybe it feels more nebulous. You may be coping in ways that aren't wholesome or sustainable. There is hope! Together, we will figure out how to find more balance, more authenticity and more joy in your life again.

Hello, I'm Amber. I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) offering sessions virtually and in-person. I am passionate about the outdoors, animals, music, art, and new adventures and I try to blend this into my therapy as much as possible. I view therapy as a collaborative effort and work to build a strong relationship that allows me to be direct and challenge you to grow, while always holding respect for your process and empowering you from a judgement free space and a personalized integrative approach. I know our world can be a scary place to exist; therapy should be a space to be authentically you and to feel safe to explore yourself uncensored. Looking at this page is already a big step and I am here to support you. Feel free to contact me to schedule a consultation either through this platform or my website.

I specialize in providing therapy to young men and women struggling with life transitions, identity development, family, and relationship issues.

Welcome, I'm so glad you're here. Hi! My name is Lauren O’Brien, LCSW (she/her), I am a psychotherapist and sex therapist specializing in supporting young and midlife adults who are navigating self doubt, fear, or anxiety related to identity, relationships, sexuality, or impulsive behaviors. After completing many years of training, degrees, and therapy of my own, I am honored to help people from all walks of life heal from anxiety, doubt, and unhelpful behaviors that prevent them from living authentically and without shame. This may include perfectionism, loneliness/isolation, people pleasing, interpersonal conflicts, fear, internet or porn use concerns, impulsive/compulsive behaviors, disordered eating, and low-self esteem/crappy self-talk. If you're looking for a therapist who's super relational, authentic, attuned, and attachment-oriented, you're in the right place.

More information can be found on my Nourish profile here: https://www.usenourish.com/providers/bryan-lian?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Bryan+Lian&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Bryan_Lian

Hi I am Ro (they/them). I provide radical care for expansive lives — creating space for healing that honors complexity, identity, and growth. My approach is affirming, trauma-informed, and rooted in curiosity and connection. I integrate Somatic Internal Family Systems, Brainspotting, and other nervous-system–based modalities to support deep, embodied work. I work especially well with clients who live at the intersections — queer, neurodivergent, creative, questioning, or simply ready to do therapy differently. Together, we’ll explore what it means to live more freely, fully, and on your own terms.

My passion for working in mental health care is deeply rooted in my personal and professional experiences. As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) I hold an M.A. in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Drama Therapy from the California Institute of Integral Studies, and a B.A. from Oberlin College. I have spent the past decade working in outpatient settings, providing support to individuals navigating the trauma of substance abuse, incarceration, and violence. I have also worked extensively with members of the LGBTQIIA+ community and understand the profound impact homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia can have on mental health and access to care. These experiences have fueled my commitment to promoting healing, empowerment, and inclusive care for those who face unique and systemic challenges. To ensure that clients feel heard and understood in sessions, I approach my work from a strength-based, client-centered perspective. I believe that you are the expert on your own journey, and my role is to help you identify and uncover your strengths and resources. Together, we’ll (re)learn how to apply them to your goals while connecting with new sources of support. Throughout our work, we’ll also focus on addressing challenging relationships and exploring new ways to build meaningful connections with others, ensuring that your voice remains central in the process. Building trust and a strong therapeutic alliance with my clients is rooted in empathy, transparency, and respect for each individual’s unique journey. While I primarily use drama therapy, humanistic, and narrative techniques, I tailor our work to create a plan that best fits your needs. I firmly believe that everyone has inherent worth, a meaningful story, and valuable contributions to make in the world. My approach is collaborative, ensuring that you feel heard and understood throughout the process. Additionally, I am trained in both abstinence and harm-reduction approaches and am familiar with 12-step/Recovery language and culture.

Dr. Aw's primary interest is the intersection between mental and physical health. Dr. Aw’s philosophy is that one does not exist outside the other. Furthermore, depression and anxiety in patients who are also suffering from medical issues can feel significantly worse, and it is his goal to get patients on a holistic road to recovery. An ideal patient for Dr. Aw understands that it takes a team to get them feeling better, and it is a collaboration between the patients themselves and Dr. Aw.

After working in the developmental disability and mental health field for many years I decided to pursue an education to become a therapist. I wanted to support people with improving their quality of life regarding relationship problems, life transition difficulties, self-esteem struggles, and emotional healing from past and current trauma. I have been working in the developmental disability and mental health field for over 20 years and I’ve always felt a strong passion to do this work. My educational background includes a BA in Education from the University of Akron and a M.Ed. in Community Counseling from Kent State University. I hold a national certifications as a Certified Brain Injury Specialist and a National Certified Counselor. As a therapist, I take a holistic and collaborative therapeutic approach. I consider the physical, mental, and spiritual factors that influence someone’s well-being. My Approach is to create a sense of self-awareness and to understand the connections between mind, body, and relationships. In collaboration I enjoy exploring how these areas impact a person’s mental health. As a therapist I have a compassionate and empathetic style that creates a safe space where you can share intimate details of your life. I bring valuable experience in supporting individuals navigating issues such as anxiety, disabilities, feelings of stagnation, and challenges in attaining a state of inner peace. With my collaborative approach, we will work on navigating uncertainty, embracing yourself, and building stronger relationships and supports. The strategies and skills that I teach can be practiced on their own outside of the therapy sessions.

Honestly I’ve known from an early age that I wanted to be a therapist. I’ve always been very sensitive and empathetic to people’s experiences. Also growing up in a very dysfunctional family affected by alcoholism had a part to play as well. I know how important it is to feel seen and heard. I will communicate my understanding of your experience, not in the same words, but in a way that you will have the experience of me understanding. Part of this is also being open to you communicating that I didn’t get it and having the space to try again until I do. I build trust by really valuing the creation of a safe, trusting container in which I continue to get more and more understanding of your experience. This container comes from you being able to be honest with me, and feel like you can communicate what is needed in the moment no matter what it is.

You want to be a better person than what you grew up with. You want to provide the love and support that always felt conditional to you. Growing up, you learned to believe the other shoe would drop at any moment and you had to be ready. It was only a matter of time. Instead of being made to feel like you were the problem, you wish you could have grown up to trust in yourself, to feel all of the feelings without shame or judgment, to have healthy relationships. You want this, but just because you know in your head that there is a better way doesn't mean you know how to recognize it, trust in it, or believe in your heart that you deserve it. I enjoy providing a compassionate, non-judgmental space for you to come and just be. We'll work together to identify the unhelpful patterns you've learned, to build a sense of safety, and your ability to trust in yourself. We'll build up the compassionate self you wished you got when you were young, and build in skills and supports to lean on along the way. I help adults who feel like they are always on edge, ready for someone to make you the problem and say it's your fault. Here's the truth: You are allowed to be different, to take up space, to feel all the feelings, that doesn't make you 'the problem.' We'll work together to help your brain believe it and keep you safe. Hi, I'm Allyson! I'm a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT #136508) and Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC #12918) under the supervision of Elizabeth McGinnis, LPCC 8285. I received my Master’s from California Baptist University in Counseling Psychology and my Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology from Biola University. In my career as a therapist, I’ve worked with children and adults of all ages. From preschool through adulthood, I’ve worked alongside my clients to process through their challenges and create patterns of relating that are most true and helpful for them. To find out more about me, check out https://empsychotherapy.net/therapists/allyson/

Living in your body may feel exhausting, unfamiliar, or even unsafe. Trauma, relationship harm, health changes or chronic illness, and struggles with body image and eating can leave us feeling disconnected and stuck between overwhelm and shutdown. I offer a warm, grounded presence where you can feel seen and begin cultivating a deeper sense of self-trust and wholeness - a space to explore lived experiences and learn supportive wellness practices. I work with busy students who are carrying the weight of stress, trauma, and grief while navigating immense transitions and responsibilities. Many of my clients are healing from sexual violence, emotional relationship harm, chronic/invisible illness and health-related changes (migraines, endometriosis, PCOS, POTS, cancer), and concerns around relationship with body and food, including disordered eating. I've supported students and young adults for over a decade, with many years of experience working in a college specialty counseling clinic. I use a mind-body approach that blends somatic (body-based), cognitive, and mindfulness practices including Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT Tapping). This helps us understand ourselves with compassion, cope with emotional overwhelm and physical body discomfort, heal from trauma, and reconnect to relationships and activities that nourish us. I find great joy in serving multicultural and multi-faith communities while providing a weight-inclusive, culturally-affirming, and trauma-informed space where all parts of you are welcome.

We work with adults throughout California via telehealth. If you’re experiencing things like anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, grief, life transitions, or chronic stress, we may be a good fit. If you’re not sure, reach out anyway — we can talk through it during the intake call.

Maybe what aches most is not the change itself, but the fear that someone you love is slipping out of reach — even if that someone is you. Everything feels different, yet somehow the same. One minute you are putting on pajamas, and the next you are spiraling because it is the first moment of quiet you have had all day. There is this gut feeling that your heart can no longer be bound with band-aids, but soul-searching is a lot before the alarm goes off tomorrow. You do not have to make sense of it all alone at midnight — that is what I am here for. I support clients ages 13–30s through this season of becoming — identity, relationships, independence, pressure, purpose, and transition. With evidence-based care and expressive arts, we use guided reflection, practical strategies, and creative exploration to turn overwhelm into clarity, awaken new direction, and find the light at the end of the tunnel. There is no perfect place to begin. Arrive as you are! I offer virtual therapy sessions for clients located in California, Indiana, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. I am available for a free 15-minute phone consultation, and I invite you to reach out. I look forward to connecting.

mindfulSF supports students, teens, young adults, couples, and professionals in building resilience, navigating life transitions, and strengthening their mental well-being so they can thrive academically, professionally, and personally. We offer individual therapy and couples counseling both in person and online throughout California. Our clinicians use evidence-based treatment approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, and Self-Compassion practices. Our areas of focus include OCD, ADHD, autism, generalized and social anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, body-focused repetitive behaviors, depression, trauma, life and work stress, and parenting and postpartum concerns. We are a queer woman–owned practice committed to providing culturally responsive, inclusive care, with a special dedication to serving BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals. We embrace and celebrate multicultural diversity and intersectional identities, and strive to create a space where clients feel respected, affirmed, and understood. mindfulSF is a private pay practice with session fees beginning at $200, varying by clinician. If mindfulSF sounds like it may be a good fit, we invite you to visit our website to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with our intake coordinator to learn more about our services. You can also learn more about our therapists at mindfulSF.com.