Therapists for college students near University of Southern California

You may be feeling tired of the world as it is—overstimulated, uncertain, and emotionally demanding. Whether you appear strong and capable or feel overwhelmed, many people are carrying fear, exhaustion, and a longing for something steady to hold onto. The people I work with often feel worn down by repeating patterns like people-pleasing or overextending, or feel stuck and disconnected when life feels unstable. I provide a grounded, safe environment where you can truly slow down and breathe. My approach bridges the gap between traditional clinical expertise and alternative ways of healing. I offer evidence-based practices like CBT, ACT, MBCT and Narrative Therapy. In addition to this, I also integrate somatic-based practices, Buddhism psychology, Akashic Record reading, and other spiritual healing practices into our work together. I work with self-identity, relationships, burnout, boundaries, and life transitions—especially during times of uncertainty. My goal is to help you develop an inner anchor you can return to when life feels chaotic, and to support you in moving toward a life that feels more aligned, peaceful, and sustainable.

As a bicultural clinician, I welcome all variations of cultural expression and enjoy working with members of both the BIPOC community and the LGBTQ community. In this therapy journey, you will find me as a friendly, accepting guide who will work with you to find healing and hope. I believe firmly in the importance of a relationship and connection with your therapist as a vehicle for healing and lasting change. As we walk together, I will take care to employ a trauma-informed lens since I believe our pasts have a profound impact on our present and our future. Using this trauma-informed lens, I will be mindful of your current triggers, taking care to move at a pace that feels right to you while also empowering you to take steps toward your future goals. While Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) inform my core approach, I also frequently incorporate practices for mindfulness and self-compassion and techniques from art therapy and Sandtray play therapy into treatment. I am an EMDR-certified therapist through EMDRIA. 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.

As a licensed psychologist with over ten years of clinical training and experience, I have had the great fortune of supporting individuals from all walks of life who are working to make peace with their past, to connect with their present, and to build hope about their future. I work with adults of all backgrounds and orientations. My Approach… I strive to provide tailored support for my clients as they address issues like anxiety, depression, addiction, past trauma, communication issues, anger management, symptoms of serious mental illness, adjustment and decision-making issues, and relationship problems. Using an individualized, nonjudgmental approach, I will work with you collaboratively on building support, creating healthy independence, developing self-compassion and self-acceptance, clarifying values, and identifying goals for improving coping, fulfillment, and self-concept.

Hi, my name is Brandon Waugh and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based out of San Diego California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in anxiety, stress and depression using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Person Centered Therapy and a whole system perspective to help my clients work toward their mental health and life goals. My approach varies based on the needs of each of my clients. I most frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Person Centered Therapy while maintaining a whole system perspective. This approach helps the client better understand their internal experiences both as influenced by their own history and beliefs as well as the environment in which they live. I have found that my approach works best with adults living with the experience of anxiety, stress and depression. We often work to cope with the stress of daily life, relationship difficulties or working toward a goal of creating a better life. My communication style is calm, accommodating, and personable. I want my clients to feel comfortable talking with me about anything, and I pride myself on my ability to listen without judgment. We will work together to explore the direction in which our time together will take. We will take the time to discover what we would like to accomplish and begin to explore the path toward these goals. In our first session together we will take the time to get to know one another. We will work to better understand the needs and goals being brought into our space together. We will also begin to explore some of the options to move forward in our journey toward these goals. I have always aspired to be a calming and helpful presence to those with whom I spend time. I feel nourished by the experience of aiding others on their path toward their goals and am looking forward to working with you in the near future.

I work with college students navigating life’s many transitions, offering a supportive space to process challenges and build resilience. Whether you’re adjusting to college life, managing academic stress, or facing uncertainty about your next steps, I provide a warm, collaborative approach tailored to your needs. I also specialize in supporting women through a range of experiences, including identity shifts, relationships, fertility journeys, pregnancy, and postpartum adjustment. My goal is to help you feel understood, empowered, and better equipped to move forward with confidence.

Using a compassionate and client-centered approach, I support each person in working toward their goals at a pace that feels right for them. I prioritize understanding what you want to get out of therapy and I work with you to develop a plan to get there. Insight is an important part of therapy, and I balance this with helping you find ways to actually see changes in your life and relationships. Working with me will feel like we are actually "getting somewhere". I describe my style as open-minded, warm and empowering. I also like therapy to feel like a natural conversation and my personality is naturally grounded and down to earth. Clients often share with me that I'm able to accurately capture and reflect how they are feeling, and they also appreciate my willingness to challenge their stuck points. My approach is all about supporting you in gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, while also finding the courage to change old patterns that are no longer serving you.

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.

As we all know, life brings us different experiences and stressors. Such stressors can affect how we function at work, school, within our relationships and self-esteem. Allow me to work with you during this time of difficulty. I’ve had the privilege of working in this field for the past 5.5 years and have found it very rewarding. My therapeutic style is tailored to the individual and their strengths while using the following approaches: strength based, solution focus, mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy. I truly believe with the right coaching, exploring, processing and guidance, we are able to overcome many of our life stressors. 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 strive to be somewhat directive, engaging, and informative. I see my therapy style as being a catalyst for change, but the patient/client is doing the hard work to bring about desired changes in their 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.

The backbone of my work is relational – meaning, the relationship between us is at the core of therapy. My training and experience have led me to believe that therapy is not "one size fits all", nor is it one therapist fits all. I will approach your situation, open to discovering what kind of therapeutic relationship will work for you at this time. I have training and experience in the following methods: CBT, Trauma Focused CBT, PCIT, and Narrative Therapy. After a thorough assessment, I typically like to collaborate with clients on the method that would work best considering the symptoms. In a typical session, clients can expect to feel heard and validated while tackling goals towards a happier life.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

When people are challenged with changes that affect the ability to manage stressors, there comes a time for positive change and support. I am passionate about focusing on the healing process, whether it involves the challenges of exploring maladaptive behaviors or the triggers of trauma. I help my clients, who include children, adults, and families to find healthy coping mechanisms and self-autonomy which will lead to positive perceptions. This, in turn, creates personal identification and self-worth, thus creating healthy relationships. I have been in the field of social services for the past 26 years and practicing therapy for the past 10 years with extensive and diverse work with children and adults. There is not one single approach for each individual, so I have trained in different modalities to tailor to the needs of those seeking help. This includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-focused therapy, Narrative Therapy, background with trauma focused approach, Seeking Safety (modality for trauma and substance abuse) training, anger management, and play therapy for children. The therapeutic relationship is essential in the beginning stages of sessions because my purpose is to assist the individual in therapy to change his or her life for the better. This involves developing trust, respect, and congruence with empathy and genuineness. 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 work in mental health care by my father. My father raised me and we were very close. He would always pick me up from school and take me out for ice cream. It was our quality time together where he would encourage me to talk about my day at school. This was the first example of what it was to experience talk therapy. I learned at a young age the importance of self-expression and having someone there to listen to you and validate you. As I got older, I valued my connections that could be built between people when they have friendly conversation or engage in deep conversations. By high school, I knew I wanted to work in the mental health field. When I engage in therapy with you, I will make you feel valued and heard by allowing you to discuss your needs and wants throughout the entire process. You are the Pilot and I am your co-pilot. This is your time, space and therapy session. We will engage in treatment planning together. Our first session will look like me getting an opportunity to know you and what brings you to therapy. I want to know all the things that are going right in your life and what are some of your favorite hobbies and activities you like to engage in. We will work together every step of the way when engaging in treatment planning and what your main focus needs will be. I am also very humorous and feel laughter is the best type of medicine so at times you will find entertainment, but I will be very informative as well. I am also vulnerable, so you will see I will be able to hold space for your tears if needed.

Who I am I am a dual board-certified nurse practitioner in psychiatric mental health and family medicine primary care. I am deeply committed to helping individuals facing complex mental health challenges. I provide medication management for adults and children. I prioritize creating a safe, non-judgmental environment for personalized, patient-centered care. My goal is to be your trusted partner on the journey to mental well-being, providing support, understanding, and guidance for a fulfilling life. I am committed to being your trusted partner on this transformative journey. Our First Session Our initial session will be a collaborative discussion. We'll begin by getting to know each other and exploring the specific mental health concerns you're currently experiencing. This will allow us to develop a personalized treatment plan to address your unique needs. My greatest strengths As a dual-certified Psychiatric and Family Nurse Practitioner, I offer comprehensive mental health care for a wide range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and addiction. With experience working with diverse populations, I understand the unique challenges faced by individuals from various backgrounds. I'm committed to providing evidence-based treatment tailored to your specific needs, and I'm passionate about helping you achieve optimal mental health and well-being. Frequently Asked Questions What is your approach to care? *Trust and collaboration are central to treatment. I work with you to create a personalized, evidence-based plan that considers your symptoms, medical history, goals, and preferences. Care is structured, thoughtful, and focused on long-term stability and functional improvement. What conditions do you treat? *Telehealth psychiatric services are provided for: ADHD; Anxiety disorders; Depression; Bipolar disorder; Trauma-related conditions (including PTSD);Sleep concerns; Mood regulation difficulties All care follows current clinical guidelines and best practices. What medications do you prescribe? *Non-controlled psychiatric medications may be prescribed when clinically appropriate. Treatment is individualized and monitored closely for safety and effectiveness. Do you prescribe stimulants or benzodiazepines? *No. Controlled substances are not prescribed, including: ADHD stimulants (e.g., Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin), Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin) This policy aligns with federal and state telehealth prescribing regulations. What services are not provided? *This practice does not provide documentation or evaluations for: Disability, FMLA, SSI, Work or school accommodations, Court or legal matters, Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letters, DMV, FAA, or capacity evaluations, Fit-for-duty or surgical clearance, Workers’ compensation, Military or travel clearance Services are limited to psychiatric evaluation and medication management. How does telehealth work? *You will receive a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation followed by structured follow-up visits to monitor progress, adjust treatment, and ensure safe, evidence-based care.

I work best with students who are feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of school, work, relationships, or major life transitions. Many of my clients come to therapy because they're struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, self-esteem, burnout, or feeling stuck. Others are adjusting to college, navigating difficult family dynamics, substance and alcohol abuse, processing relationship challenges, or trying to balance everything life is throwing at them. You don't have to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Whether you're looking for support through a difficult season or want to build healthier coping skills and greater confidence, I'll provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to create meaningful change.

* I'm licensed in Louisiana and California and would love to work with you virtually by FaceTime, Zoom, or phone. Reach out at 504-261-4443 (text) * I am in-network for many health plans for students from California through Headway Therapy. You only pay your copay through the portal. Start here: https://headway.co/providers/lisa-tahir-3?utm_source=pem&utm_medium=direct_link&utm_campaign=63753 * I am a Tulane Alum and teach in the Glass Art Department. * Check out my podcast, "All Things Therapy" on Spotify and iTunes * I've written a book on self-forgiveness and empathy endorsed by His Holiness The Dalai Lama, "The Chiron Effect: Healing Our Core Wounds through Astrology, Empathy, and Self-Forgiveness." Give me a text to 504-261-4443 to start your healing journey!

Hello, Taking the step towards therapy can be a big one, sometimes filled with anxiety or fear. I try to alleviate any concerns and provide a safe place for you to work toward your goals. I specialize in mood issues such as stress, anxiety and depression, and I specialize in treating trauma and PTSD. I utilize a blend of therapy models including CBT, DBT and EMDR. Reach out today to set up a free consultation. I look forward to working with you.

Hi there! I’m Lisa Chung (she/her), a psychodynamic therapist, nature enthusiast, verbose writer, and sweet treat indulger. I believe feeling deeply understood can have a profound effect on our health, well-being, and ability to be in relationship with ourselves, others, and the world around us. My hope for my patients is that we can co-create something that allows you to discover the parts of yourself yet unknown—the strength, talents, resilience, as well as the fears, doubts and grief that make up the entirety of who you are. In doing so, I can help you to come into loving acceptance of the more ingrained aspects of your personality and work on modifying thought patterns and behaviors that are no longer serving you. I recognize that making the decision to come to therapy is a courageous step, and not always easy. I consider it an honor that you would trust me with walking along side you on your recovery path.

Hi, I’m Kendal McDowell and I've been working in the field since 2019. I'm licensed in both CA and PA and I work specifically with college students and college athletes. Having been a college athlete myself, I'm familiar with the joys and stressors of collegiate life. College can be an exciting and eye opening experience, but sometimes it can also open our eyes to some things within ourselves or those around us we may not have noticed before. Together we’ll work to pin point what’s really going on. We’ll look deeper into areas that range from: relationships, anxiety, and depression. I’m here to help discover what’s causing symptoms or distress, and what we can do about it. We’ll spend time getting to know who you are and what could be missing, to bring more joy and happiness to life. Not sure yet? Reach out to set up a free 15-minute consult- no need to commit to a scheduled appointment right away! You can text/call (717-769-5510), or send me an email (kmcdowellcounseling@gmail.com) to set something up.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.