Therapists for college students near University of Southern California
Bita Sanchez
I was drawn to becoming a therapist because I saw how meaningful it can be for people to have a safe, supportive space to talk openly and work through challenges. I really enjoy listening to others stories and helping them better understand themselves, their relationships, and their emotions so they can move toward positive change. I will work to make sure you feel heard and understood by really listening to you without judgement and taking your experiences seriously. I will reflect back what I am hearing to check that I’m understanding you accurately, and I will ask questions when I need more clarity rather than making assumptions. I also want you to know that your feedback matters, if at any point you feel misunderstood or something doesn’t sit right with you, I encourage you to tell me so we can adjust and make this space feel as safe and supportive as possible for you. Working together is very collaborative. We will move at a pace that feels comfortable for you, and we will focus on what matters most to you and what you would like to change or better understand about your life. Building trust takes time, and I see it as something we create together. I do that by being consistent, honest, respectful, and nonjudgmental, and by following through on what I say I will do. I will check in with you about how our work is going and invite your feedback so we can make sure this feels helpful and safe for you. My goal is for this to feel like a supportive partnership, where you can be open, ask questions, express concerns, and know that you are respected and taken seriously every step of the way.
MentalPaz Therapy and Wellness
Your mind never stops running, yet you still feel “behind.” You're juggling so much—college, career, relationships, identity, or maybe even starting a family. Add in anxiety, the weight of expectations, or ADHD and it can all feel like too much. There is an easier way. Let me help you find it. I’ll provide a culturally affirming, trauma-informed space where we work with who you are—not against it. Together, we'll develop strategies to manage overwhelm, improve focus, and quiet that inner critic. Our work will be collaborative, compassionate, and rooted in curiosity. My goal is to help you experience more calm, confidence, and clarity in your daily life. I'm Nicole Castillo, MA LMFT—founder of MentalPaz, Latina therapist, new mama, and young breast cancer survivor who gets what it's like to balance identity, ambition, and healing. With over a decade of experience, I couldn’t be more passionate about working in solidarity with my clients. Ready to stop figuring it all out alone? Reach out for a free consultation. Let's chat!
Adilene De Leon
I profoundly believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to create a fulfilling and emotionally healthy life. I help people utilize their inherent strengths, build meaningful support systems, and develop practical skills that promote lasting change and personal growth. I am driven to help individuals overcome generational trauma and break free from cycles of pain and suffering. I believe in tailoring my approach to meet the unique needs and preferences of each person. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel seen, heard and valued. Together, we work towards achievable goals, cultivate resilience, navigate challenges, and foster emotional well-being. I am committed to providing culturally competent and affirming care to all those I serve. In my practice, I find fulfillment in working with a diverse range of communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrant families, and college students. I have had the privilege of supporting individuals from various cultural backgrounds through life transitions and psychosocial stressors. I approach each session with empathy, curiosity and respect towards all experiences. I build trust and a strong therapeutic alliance by collaborating on goals, honoring your pace, and highlighting your strengths as we work through evidence-based strategies.
David Gumpert
In-network with Aetna. Tried therapy before and didn't quite help? Therapy helped before, but still struggling? My approach is different! I see people seeking support for many difficulties, including: imposter syndrome, self-esteem, boundaries, vulnerability, excessive guilt and shame, communication skills, difficulty asking for help or saying "no," and more. Reducing self-judgment will help you to make better decisions that are aligned with your core values. I have been in the mental health field for over 20 years and I also have extensive experience working with undergraduate and graduate students at high-pressured universities.
Melisa Santacruz
“What’s next?” is often a question we ask ourselves when we feel stuck, lost, disconnected, grieving, or navigating life’s changes. I am here to help you explore those uncertain and unfamiliar places. My goal is to create a safe, calm, and compassionate space where you feel truly seen and heard, so you can move forward in your personal growth journey. Healing can feel scary and uncertain, an it can also be deeply empowering and rewarding. You don’t have to do it alone. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with years of experience in mental health and child development. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families, supporting them in their journey toward healing and empowerment.
Bram Barouh
Feeling lost, anxious, overwhelmed, depressed, alone? Figuring out how you feel, what you want, or who you are is just plain difficult, especially in the world we're living in now. Add to that a difficult personal history and doing 'well' can feel nearly impossible. You don't have to carry this all on your own. I became a therapist through my work in the arts and teaching meditation. I help clients develop a healthy inner life, relate to others deeply, and find meaning in their lives. My approach is relational, psychodynamic, Buddhist-based, and creative. My specialties include relationship issues, life transitions, grief, anxiety, depression, and existential dilemmas. I work with individual adults, couples, and facilitate interpersonal process groups. If you’re struggling with relationship issues: connecting with yourself or with others, experiencing grief, anxiety, or depression, or suffering through an existential dilemma, please reach out.
True Self Therapy
Hi there, and welcome! Are you looking for a personalized touch to therapy? A therapist with experience, expertise, but doesn't feel "stuffy" or unrelatable? Then we're the perfect fit! We pride our team on being professional, relatable, warm, knowledgable, down to earth, educated, and applying research based change for our clients. Our group practice specializes in trauma, EMDR, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, PTSD, relational issues, and more. Therapists at True Self Therapy work with a variety of different modalities to ensure a client centered approach. We emphasize doing the “deeper work” with our clients for a lasting change.
Annie Melman
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 12 years of experience working with teens, young adults, trauma, relationships and eating disorders. I’m also a clinical supervisor and the founder of True Self Therapy group practice I pride myself in being both extremely knowledgeable and down-to-earth. I’m relatable, humorous, and definitely not an uptight therapist. I truly believe that therapy can be an enjoyable part of your day. I look forward to meeting with you and supporting you on your journey! Fun Facts: baby girl mom, cat and dog lover, Trader Joes expert, reality TV enthusiast, Tiktok time waster, Current Denver resident
Katie Hartman
I have a wide range of experience working with individuals, couples and teenagers. I have a solid understanding of various therapeutic approaches and techniques that can be tailored to your specific needs. I believe in taking a holistic approach to therapy, acknowledging the interconnectedness of your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. By considering all aspects of your life, we can work together to develop strategies that promote overall health and happiness. Therapy is not just about addressing current difficulties; it is also focused on personal growth and healing. I can help you identify patterns, uncover underlying issues, and develop coping strategies, leading to lasting positive change in your relationships.
Monica Lomeli
Hola, and welcome! As a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I strive to create a safe, supportive space where college and university students can openly share their experiences and focus on their mental health. Whether you're dealing with academic pressure, life transitions, relationships, or feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression, you don’t have to go through it alone. Reaching out for help can be one of the hardest steps—especially as a student balancing so much—so I want to recognize the courage it takes to be here. Over the past 13 years, I’ve worked in community mental health supporting young people and adults through life’s challenges. My goal is to meet you where you are and work alongside you so you can feel supported, understood, and empowered throughout your journey—in school and beyond.
Rachel Yamada Counseling and Clinical Supervision
I work with children, teens, and adults, using a specialized blend of behavior principles into my therapeutic practice. I started my career in special education as a behaviorist for children with autism and later worked as a school counselor for middle school students in East Los Angeles. I earned my BCBA in 2020 and my LCSW in 2021, allowing me to integrate behavior management techniques into my mental health practice. I love being able to work with clients from both a behavioral and mental health perspective, allowing space for big behaviors and big feelings to coexist and be processed together. I'm here to help! I am directive yet empathetic and allow clients to tailor their therapeutic plan to meet their needs and goals. Please don't hesitate to reach out for a consultation to see if we might be a good fit. Email for clinical supervision rates (individual, triadic, group).
Kaley Manierre LMFT
My interest in mental health began from a desire to understand how our experiences shape who we are. This curiosity grew into a passion for helping others explore these influences, gain deeper insight, and create healthier ways of relating to themselves and the people around them. The more we understand ourselves, the more we can understand others. Whether you’re coming to therapy during a difficult time or seeking support for accountability and personal growth, what matters most is simply showing up for yourself. That act of showing up can be one of the hardest things we do. Yet it is also essential, not only for your own well-being, but for your ability to show up more fully for the people and things you care about. I view therapy as an act of kindness toward yourself, an intentional pause to check in, look inward, and take meaningful steps toward becoming your best self. Over time, this process can create a ripple effect of growth, both within yourself and across all areas of your life.
Rachael Slap
Do you feel like something is wrong with you? Are you wishing you could just "stop"? Do you always feel like adults don't understand? My practice is based around what happened to us, not what is wrong with us. My goal is to create a safe, collaborative, interactive and fun space where you feel understood, empowered, and equipped with practical tools to meet your goals. Together we will learn, build on your strengths, and celebrate your wins. I am here to support & guide you through this process, together.
Kayla Montaque
Hello there! In my approach to therapy, I emphasize empathy and active listening, creating a compassionate environment where my clients feel heard and validated, fostering a safe space for exploration and growth. I also incorporate positive self-talk and affirmations, encouraging clients to build resilience and self-esteem. My communication style is characterized by warmth, active listening, and empathy. I foster an open and non-judgmental atmosphere, encouraging clients to express themselves freely. My compassionate approach combines encouragement and positive reinforcement, helping clients feel supported as they explore their thoughts and feelings.
True Self Therapy
I am a therapist who works with individuals, couples, and families, with a focus on creating a grounded, supportive space where people can feel safe exploring their inner world. My approach is rooted in mindfulness-based CBT, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and feminist therapy, with an emphasis on understanding how past experiences, relationships, and systems of power shape the way we move through life. I take a holistic and relational approach to therapy. We will focus on recognizing how past experiences, relationships, and larger social systems can shape the ways we think, feel, and move through life. Together, we can identify patterns, process past experiences, and build healthier, more adaptive ways of relating to yourself and others. My style is warm, relational, and thoughtful, with the goal of helping clients feel more connected to themselves, build resilience, and feel more confident in their ability to grow and heal.
Marcelle Little
College and young adulthood can bring more change at once than any other time of life: new independence, shifting relationships, academic pressure, and big questions about who you are and where you're headed. If you're feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stuck in people-pleasing, or carrying experiences that still feel unresolved, you don't have to navigate it alone. I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist working with college students and adults in California and Florida by secure video. I specialise in trauma, anxiety, relationships and life transitions, including preparing to study abroad and readjusting after coming home. Having studied, lived and worked abroad myself, I know how exciting and disorienting these transitions can be. My approach is warm, collaborative and trauma-focused. I use EMDR to help process painful or stuck experiences, and somatic, body-based tools to calm your nervous system so you feel more grounded day to day. Together we'll explore the family and relationship patterns shaping how you feel, and build practical skills for boundaries, self-worth and emotional balance. Therapy with me is a compassionate, judgement-free space where you can slow down and reconnect with yourself. I offer a free 15-minute Zoom consultation to see whether we're a good fit. Book through my website or send me an email.
Rheannon Chavez
I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 8 years of experience providing psychotherapy to individuals and families. I received my Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in Counseling and Social Change from San Diego State University and my Master’s of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of La Verne. I have extensive experience working with clients across the lifespan, with a primary focus on supporting individuals navigating Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD, often in conjunction with co-occurring mood disorders. My background is rooted in behavioral work, including providing social skills training and addressing social anxiety among children on the spectrum. Additionally, I have experience working with victims of crime of all ages, supporting them in processing and healing from trauma.
Mike Pugh
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Chidinma Nwankwo
At Acen, we are dedicated to restoring balance through compassionate, holistic mental health care tailored to every stage of life. Our approach blends evidence-based treatment with a deep understanding of each individual’s unique experiences, challenges, and goals. We believe mental wellness is not just about managing symptoms, but about creating a foundation for lasting growth, resilience, and overall well-being. We offer personalized care that integrates therapy, medication management, and lifestyle support in a safe and inclusive environment. With flexible in-person and telehealth options, we make care accessible and convenient. Our commitment is to walk alongside you with empathy, respect, and expertise—helping you build a healthier, more balanced life.
Jocelyn Martinez, LMFT
Hi there! I’m Jocelyn, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in supporting individuals who were expected to take on adult responsibilities at a young age. Together, we'll explore the lasting impacts of family trauma, including the unique experiences that can come with growing up in immigrant families, navigating cultural expectations, mental health stigma, and breaking generational cycles of trauma.