Therapists for college students near 94305
My name is Terry Alcántar Nelson and I am a licensed clinical social worker who has been providing counseling for over 25 years. After all this time, I still love my work and am passionate about helping people heal. Every day is a new opportunity for me to join with clients in healing past hurts, traumas, and relationships, and addressing current life stressors and painful experiences. I am privileged to do this work and hope to be doing it for many years to come. I am trained and have expertise in the following modalities: -Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)- a type of therapy that helps to examine negative thinking and long held beliefs which make us feel bad and stuck; it is modality that is particularly helpful for depression and anxiety -Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) which focuses on improving relationships by increasing emotional safety with loved ones, and takes into account past attachment injuries originating in childhood and current and/or past relationships -Mindfulness, which works on increasing our focus on the present by using breath, body and grounding techniques -Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which uses eye movements and other types of bilateral stimulation to process traumatic experiences and memories I see my role as a mental health provider as a guide to clients who are looking for a path to wholeness and healing. Working with with a therapist should be a collaborative process in which the client feels empowered with every session. I consider successful therapy to be one in which clients says that they feels shifts in behavior, feelings, and life circumstances. I am a proud Latina woman who was born and raised in a small town, but was transplanted many years ago to a big city and I can see the value in both experiences. I have worked with a vast array of ethnicities and cultures and feel comfortable with diversity. I am unique in that I am bicultural, bilingual and come to every client session ready to hold big emotions in compassionate ways. I know trauma and relationship injuries can make us feel very vulnerable and I want my clients to feel safe and emotionally held so that the work of healing brings peace and restorative experiences in all areas of life.
I am so happy you are here! Starting therapy can be difficult, but you have already taken the first step! In my last 7+ years as a therapist, I have worked with teens and young adults who are experiencing anxiety, stress, and depression due to life transitions and/or trauma. In our first session, you will have the opportunity to share your story and we will work together to set realistic goals to meet your needs.
We provide psychological testing and therapy to ages 1 and up. Specialize in ADHD and anxiety for all ages. Use mostly evidence based approaches.
Worried you haven't done enough? Experiencing indecision and disappointment in your relationships? If you're struggling to manage anxiety, now might be the time to connect. I’m a first generation Latinx/e, bilingual, and LGBTQ+ affirming therapist creating space for clients to experience radical self-compassion and express themselves fully. My style is warm and authentic, with some humor. I sit with clients as they experience difficult emotions, listen to what others have not been able to hear, and guide clients to connect with their self-worth and contend with the realities of life. Therapy is your time to think and feel with my support. Clients can expect a genuine interest in understanding them. I provide virtual therapy in CA for adults only, focusing on anxiety, perfectionism, stress, relationships, generational differences within Latinx/e communities and beyond. I draw from emotion-focused, psychodynamic, existential, and humanistic theories and therapy. Book your free consultation today. *Note: In the event of a medical or psychiatric emergency or an emergency involving a threat to your safety or the safety of others, do not call/email me to schedule a consultation call. See resources below: *Dial 9-1-1 for emergency assistance, Go to nearest hospital/emergency room *Call or Text 9-8-8 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline *Text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line (Available for all types and levels of crises) *Dial 877-854-3594 for Human Options, a domestic violence resource *Dial 714-842-6600 for Huntington Youth Shelter, Dial 800-914-2272 for Casa Youth Shelter *Dial 2-1-1 for additional information about local resources closest to your area
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I value the opportunity to support individuals uncover their inner strength, heal from the past, and rediscover hope. I utilize a trauma-informed approach and I am passionate about supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from culturally and gender-diverse communities. I belief that everyone deserves to feel heard, understood, and supported as individuals navigate life’s challenges. Witnessing the resilience and growth of individuals as they overcome obstacles is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. I ensure individuals feel heard and understood by providing a supportive environment where one can openly share their experiences. I tailor my approach to each individual’s unique needs, drawing from evidence-based techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness and self-compassion. I work closely with individuals throughout your therapeutic journey, encouraging and empowering them to take an active role in your personal growth.
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of who you really are? College can be exciting—but it can also feel like too much. Maybe you’ve always been the one who holds it all together, gets straight A’s, and never lets anyone see you struggle. But now, you're anxious all the time, you're exhausted from trying to be “on” 24/7, and even small things feel like a big deal. You might feel pressure to meet expectations—yours or your family’s—and you’re starting to wonder if any of it really feels like you. Maybe you feel like you’re constantly performing. Like you can’t ever fully relax. Or maybe you’re starting to ask big questions about your identity, your future, your values—and it’s scary to realize you don’t have all the answers yet. You don’t have to figure it out alone. I work with college students who are high achievers, perfectionists, and deep thinkers—especially those who are struggling with anxiety, depression, people-pleasing, burnout, or questions around identity and family dynamics. In therapy, you can slow down, breathe, and start untangling the pressure from what you really want. We’ll work together to help you feel more grounded, more like yourself, and more in control of your life. Sessions are confidential, affirming, and tailored to who you are—not who others expect you to be. I provide inclusive and affirming care and create a space where you don’t have to explain or defend your experiences. Online sessions available for students in CA & WA. In-person sessions available in Santa Monica, CA. If this sounds like what you need, reach out. Things can be different—and therapy is a good place to start.
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I’ve always cared deeply about people, especially those who feel misunderstood or overlooked. Growing up, I saw how much it meant when someone took the time to listen without judgment. That stuck with me. Over time, I realized I wanted to be that kind of support for others, someone who helps people feel safe, heard, and valued. Becoming a therapist felt like the most natural path for me, and it’s a privilege to walk alongside people as they navigate life’s challenges and reconnect with their inner strength. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe and free to be yourself. I’ll listen not just to what you say, but also to the feelings and experiences behind your words. I want to understand what truly matters to you, and I’ll check in often to make sure I’m hearing you the way you want to be heard. This space is yours, as we work through what’s most meaningful to you. Building trust is a process that occurs over time, and I view it as a two-way interaction. In our work together, I’ll show up consistently, be honest with you, and create a space where you can speak freely without fear of being judged. I’ll go at your pace, and we’ll talk about what feels helpful to you. I’ll also ensure our work feels safe and supportive. I want you to feel heard, respected, and genuinely understood as we work together toward your therapy goals.
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As a first-generation Filipino-American and the oldest child of immigrant parents, I am passionate about destigmatizing mental health. I believe people are inherently resilient but sometimes need space to tap into this resiliency. Providing this space drives my work, and I am grateful to witness my clients’ healing journeys. Therapy can be scary, so I strive to make the therapeutic space warm and safe by listening without judgment and having a calm presence. I truly believe in meeting my clients where they are at. I try to create an environment where my clients feel like they have control over what they share and how much they share. I believe my clients are the experts of their lives, while I have certain tools and knowledge to help them be the best version of themselves. My clients are the ones in the drivers seat and I strive to build trust at their pace. Sessions are collaborative and I consistently check in about how my clients are feeling about their overall progress in therapy.
I have witnessed and personally experienced the human ability to grow and adapt with the assistance of a caring professional. I believe we all have the innate capacity to heal ourselves, and often the journey begins with feeling heard and supported. An important part of the therapy journey begins with selecting a therapist who is the right fit for who you are and the goals you want to achieve. As a clinician and a person, I pride myself on my ability to connect with people through unconditional positive regard and authentic and meaningful dialogue. Trust in the therapeutic relationship is an essential ingredient toward a beneficial outcome for you, the client. My approach to building trust is collaborative and focused on your comfort level one session at a time. You are in the driver’s seat and we will work together to pace our weekly sessions and their content at a speed that feels right, and safe, for you.
Let me guess…you want to learn to be kinder to yourself, regulate your feelings, put yourself first without guilt, and heal from a past that’s holding you back. You are struggling to feel “normal” and feel confused about how you got to where you are. You can admit that sometimes you’re harder on yourself than you deserve. That’s where I come in! I help teens, adults, and relationship structures explore their lives in order to improve their communication and strengthen their connections to themselves and their communities. I’m passionate about supporting my clients using systems theories, parts work, and EMDR to help them feel more capable of caring for themselves and move towards areas of pleasure in their lives. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, neurodivergence, confusion about life, sexual difficulties, relationship stress, or major life transitions, I’m ready to meet you where you’re at with warmth and care.
When clients ask what inspired me to become a therapist, I share that I’m passionate about creating a safe, supportive space for children, couples, and families to feel seen and understood. As a first-generation Mexican-American, I’ve experienced how culture, family dynamics, and life experiences shape who we are, which led me to this work—helping individuals and families better understand themselves and each other. To help you feel heard, I focus on building a warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative environment. Whether I’m working with a child, a couple, or a family, I approach each person with curiosity and cultural humility, making sure everyone’s voice is valued and understood. Working together is a partnership. I use a systems perspective, so we’ll explore how relationships, communication patterns, and family dynamics impact your experiences. With children, this may look like play-based or developmentally appropriate support; with couples and families, we’ll work on communication, boundaries, and strengthening connection. I build trust by being consistent, transparent, and genuinely engaged so you feel supported as we navigate challenges together. My ultimate goal is to understand you as an individual and provide a space where you can become your authentic self. I have had success working within the LQBTQ+ POC community as well as with children of immigrants. I enjoy joining my clients on their path to self-acceptance and self-empowerment.
Dr. Olga Novikov-King specializes in the intricate relationship between mental and chronic medical illnesses, particularly focusing on conditions like chronic pain, somatic disorders, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and the lasting effects of trauma. Dr. Novikov is committed to guiding her patients toward achieving their life goals through a tailored blend of therapy and medication, always emphasizing a holistic approach to health. Her approach is driven by a deep understanding of how mental health is intrinsically linked with the overall health of a person.
You just need to do figure out to eat for dinner, you’ve done it a million times, so why does it feel so hard? In my practice, I’ve learned that we often go through life reacting to situations without fully understanding why. I specialize in working with neurodivergent young adults (i.e. ADHD, Autism, OCD) and I'm passionate about helping people understand how their unique minds and bodies work. There is so much you are already doing instinctively to cope with things (probably a lot of it without even realizing it's a coping skill), I just get to help you figure out what that is and how to use it more effectively. By untangling your thoughts, exploring your feelings, and developing a deeper understanding of your mind and body, I will help you regain the power to build a life that works for you. Trying new things can be hard but what you’re doing isn’t easy. It’s worth giving yourself a chance. Please contact me if you would like to schedule a free consultation.
Do you struggle with motivation and focus troubles that affects more than just your ability to get your homework done? Do you feel overwhelmed by basic tasks that you can’t seem to get started? Do you ever wonder that life could be better, your mind a little quieter? Now more than ever, young adults, are feeling overwhelmed with the life presented to them, with ADHD and Anxiety diagnosis becoming more frequent. I believe you can find the motivation to get control of your life again. I approach therapy from a humanistic/person centered place, with true Unconditional Positive Regard towards you as a client and human. When we are struggling, we need a place to show up in all versions of ourselves without judgement, and I strive to create that environment for you
* 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!
Hi, I am Rafael Cazares, LMFT. As a bicultural professional, the son of immigrants, and the first in my family to graduate from college, my practice is deeply dedicated to Latino/a/x mental health and student wellbeing. I understand firsthand what it is like to navigate two distinct worlds at once, balancing deep cultural roots and family sacrifices with the heavy, relentless pressures of higher education. Before transitioning into mental health, my first career was in Information Technology (IT), which heavily shapes how I view therapy today. I borrow some of that mindset to look at you as a whole person. I do not look at your academic stress, chronic anxiety, or life transitions in isolation. Instead, we look at how your history, your course load, your family dynamics, and your routines all connect. I mostly work with driven, first and second generation students, path changers, and overthinkers who find themselves running on empty. My clients are often students who know they want to excel, but they currently feel completely stuck, paralyzed by procrastination, or constantly living on default high alert. This mental friction usually happens when the intense desire to honor your family sacrifices collides with an unceasing inner critic and a mind that refuses to shift out of high gear. Whether you are carrying the heavy weight of everyone else expectations or trying to find your footing in an environment that was never modeled for you growing up, you belong here. My practice is a fully welcoming, identity affirming space where you can finally drop the academic armor and examine your story without an ounce of judgment. Combining intentional behavioral science like ACT with advanced trauma processing like EMDR, we focus on identifying the exact loops keeping you stuck, processing the stuckness, and developing life long skills. We move past empty venting to focus on concrete strategies to quiet the background noise of your thoughts, lock in your focus, and manage the intense emotional fatigue of higher education. Balancing my own life as a stay at home father during the day, I intentionally structure my practice with late evening and Saturday slots. This allows me to meet you online during the quiet hours when your classes, labs, and study shifts are completely done for the day. You do not have to carry the immense weight of these academic and cultural expectations all on your own. Let us connect today to schedule a free 15 minute consultation call and start building a clear roadmap toward a future that is truly your own.