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Therapists for college students near University of Southern California

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Cindy Cruz
Psychiatrist
San Francisco, CA

I am a double board-certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, and provide psychotherapy and personalized medication treatment. The core of my work is to provide a safe environment, where we build a strong and trusting relationship. I will help you explore your own story, current life challenges and open up possibilities for change in your life. Where medication can help, we can consider that option together. I consider ongoing therapy as an important part of optimizing any treatment with medication that can change your mood and behavior.

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Jenna Barnes
Marriage & Family Therapist
Aliso Viejo, CA

I work best with clients who are passionate about self-discovery, social change, and navigating life’s challenges. Many of the individuals I support are exploring identity, facing societal pressures, or advocating for human rights, including LGBTQ+ issues, women’s rights, and other radical movements. College can be a time of immense growth and uncertainty, and I help students manage stress, relationships, and personal identity while balancing academic and social expectations. Whether struggling with anxiety, self-esteem, or navigating systemic injustices, I provide a supportive, affirming space to explore these challenges. My goal is to empower clients to embrace their authentic selves and build resilience in the face of adversity.

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Heidi Samuelian
Marriage & Family Therapist
Del Mar, CA

You may feel stuck, anxious, depressed, or hopeless. However, just the courage to take the first step in knowing you want to experience your life differently takes strength. I work with my clients to expand that strength in a safe environment. When struggling with a family or friend relationship, or when experiencing increased stress from some changing circumstances in life, often unhealed issues start to surface. Now we really need support. These times are actually the ones where the most healing can occur. I provide a space that is safe for all the feelings, thoughts, issues, and fears to be brought forth so that there can begin to be healing. I help clients decide on goals they'd like to achieve in treatment, and with compassionate suggestions, help them make the changes they are looking for. If you want to understand yourself on a deeper level, if you believe you may have formed some distortions in the ways you talk to yourself, I will help you create a new narrative, one that promotes self compassion, peace and joy. I believe we all need help sometimes to move towards a life that is full and thriving. Please call for a free consultation!

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Douglas Johnson
Psychologist
Santa Barbara, CA

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to support people in a wide range of settings, including inpatient and outpatient treatment centers, residential programs, and homeless shelters. These experiences have allowed me to work closely with individuals facing many different challenges and life circumstances. Working across these environments has helped me develop a flexible, compassionate approach to care. I’ve learned how to meet people where they are—whether they’re in crisis, navigating major life transitions, or working toward long-term healing and stability. My background has shaped my ability to provide thoughtful, personalized support that is grounded in real-world experience and a deep understanding of the complexities people face. I specialize in general mental health, anxiety/depression, substance abuse, and Christian centered psychotherapy. Therapy is a space for growth through trust, curiosity, and reflection. I use humor, metaphor, and insight to guide exploration with compassion, seeing vulnerability not as weakness but as fertile ground for healing, self-awareness, and resilience. Together, we'll explore root causes and develop a practical plan for change. Many notice symptom relief within weeks and continue to make steady progress, gaining a stronger sense of control and connection in their lives. Together, we'll explore your unique path toward well-being.

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Fisher Counseling Services
Counselor
San Diego, CA

With more than thirty-two years of therapy experience, I provide an environment of trust and competency. In addition to my counseling practice, I've taught anger management/domestic violence groups for twelve years. These principles are used with individuals and couples as well. I've also taught online graduate classes for nine years. I do mentoring as well as life coaching, assisting clients with life-direction, healthy choices, and personal accountability. I work best with clients who are seeking to improve their life and are committed to positive change.

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Heart Strings Therapy
Psychologist
Ventura, CA

Hello, my name is Dr. Kristine Pickwith, and I work with adults diagnosed with chronic illness or coping with grief related to a break-up or death of a loved one.

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Empowered Path Clinical Counseling, PC
Group practice
Murrieta, CA

At Empowered Path Clinical Counseling, PC, we create a safe, welcoming space where you can be yourself without judgment. Many of the clients we work with have felt out of place, silenced, or unsure where to turn for support. You might be navigating stress, relationship challenges, identity questions, or past experiences that still affect you today. We understand how overwhelming life can feel, especially when you’re balancing school, work, relationships, and your own well-being. Our therapists are here to listen, help you sort through your thoughts and emotions, and give you practical tools you can use right away. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, identity exploration, past trauma, or just a general sense of feeling “stuck,” we focus on helping you feel heard, supported, and empowered to make positive changes. We especially welcome students from the LGBTQIA+ community, people exploring their identities, and anyone who has felt left out or misunderstood. This is your space to be seen, understood, and supported as you move toward a life that feels more like you.

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Annie Alpers
Psychologist
San Francisco, CA

Welcome! I use CBT/ACT with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to treat OCD, anxiety, and perfectionism, and ComB to treat body-focused repetitive behaviors (trichotillomania, excoriation disorder, etc.). I have experience from three university counseling centers (NYU, Barnard, and Santa Clara University) working with undergraduate and graduate students ages 18-30+.

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Laura DeSantis
Licensed Professional Counselor
San Francisco, CA

People, life, and school are complex. It can be hard to figure out who you want to become while facing academic, family, or work pressure. As a recovering overachiever, I know how scary and foreign the world can be for a young adult just trying to become their own person. My role as a therapist is to provide you space (physical and emotional) to explore what you want for yourself and your life on your own terms. My approach emphasizes personal introspection, insight, and self-compassion in order to identify harmful thought patterns and behaviors. Together, we will find an approach that helps you heal from past experiences or cope with present challenges. I love working with young adults and being part of the lives they choose to pursue and the people they choose to become. This is your time to shine, so leave behind other people’s expectations, and step onto your own path. You’ve got this. Visit my website or give me a call to set up a free consultation; I would love to hear what’s happening for you.

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Sue Goetz, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sacramento, CA

I’m an experienced, licensed psychotherapist whose been in full-time private practice with teens, adults, and families for 11 years, and have been privileged to be a part of wonderful transformations with folks just like you. Together, we can help find solutions that may have escaped your notice and increase happiness in your household, all in a safe, judgment-free environment for this work to take place.

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Golden West Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist
Seattle, WA

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!!! Golden West Counseling - Veronica Anderson, LMFT, LPCC, LMHC, LPC Location: California, Washington, Arizona & Oregon Complimentary initial consultation Website: goldenwestcounseling.com Phone: 3108538500 or 2062573810 Do you find yourself spending too much of your time feeling overwhelmed and struggle to control your stress and tension? Maybe you find yourself tired but yet can’t seem to calm down enough to relax at the end of the day. Or perhaps the constant self doubt and future thinking has you paralyzed. Managing the effects of constant worry impacts various aspects of your life including work performance, academic achievement, social relationships, and overall quality of life. Navigating these challenges requires a comprehensive approach to address both the mental and physical aspects of your concerns. Learning practical techniques to lessen your symptoms is essential. Lifestyle factors such as sleep, exercise and stress management can play a significant role in your symptoms. Clients often reach out to us to seek guidance in adopting healthy habits that support better mental health and reduce symptoms that get in the way of daily life. When working with clients we use methods that allow you to use your strengths and heighten your sense of confidence. CBT, ACT, mindfulness, narrative therapy, are a few of the modalities our counselors utilize. To learn more about us visit our website, or call for a complimentary consultation to be matched with one of our skilled counselors.

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Paige Walters
Marriage & Family Therapist
Santa Rosa, CA

Hi, I'm Paige - it's nice to meet you! I am a licensed therapist in California with multiple years of professional experience, dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey toward healing and personal growth. I specialize in helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, self-esteem, motivation, confidence, and life transitions. We will build your resilience together! My philosophy is to meet each client exactly where they are at, and adapting our therapy relationship to fit their needs. I wholeheartedly believe that as a therapist, I am just a guide during your journey rather than a leader. With a person-centered approach, I adapt to what works best for you, weaving in different modalities to support your journey. We’ll navigate the hard stuff together, honor your resilience, and yes, probably share a few laughs along the way. Healing doesn’t have to be lonely—you don’t have to do it alone. I am a partner with Headway - if we work together, we will use their platform!

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Melissa Craven
Marriage & Family Therapist
San Francisco, CA

Are you hard on yourself? Do you hold back from loved ones or struggle to accomplish things? It doesn't have to be this way. You’ve been struggling for a long time and you can change. Opening up can feel uncomfortable, but therapy can help you to a better path. You can get unstuck by disentangling from old patterns, imagining new possibilities, and connecting to what's most important. I have fourteen years of experience at UCSF helping patients to recover from moderate to severe mood symptoms and to more creatively participate in their lives. I also hold a credential in perinatal mental health. My psychotherapy practice is online or through walk and talk sessions in San Francisco parks. I’d like to help you see beyond this difficult moment. I’d love to help you enjoy your life more.

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Hans Reihling
Marriage & Family Therapist
San Diego, CA

Does your sexual behavior feel out of control? I'll help you overcome problematic use of pornography and other sexual health issues, so you can be the person you want to be. I cater to young men who want to unlock their full potential through evidence-based counseling and psychotherapy methods.

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Carrie O'Leary
Marriage & Family Therapist
Cupertino, CA

Have things started to feel harder than they used to? This is a good sign. It's time to take care of you in a more meaningful way than you've experienced before. I work with clients who report feeling dismayed by their reactions to work stress, school stress, and/or relationship stress. I'm a deeply empathetic, yet directive therapist. I draw from multiple research-backed approaches to address your needs and goals. I have extensive experience working with overwhelm, stress, and depression, as well as PTSD, with adults, children and families. I feel honored to work with clients in what I consider to be a sacred process. Most of my clients report that they feel relief and hope within the first session. Clients see continued improvement as we process challenging experiences together and honor the natural wisdom and sense of personal power that arises from the work. Over time, experiences of reactivity, as well feelings such as anxiety, anger, sadness, and joy all become meaningful and helpful when we hold them with curiosity and compassion. And despite my education and training, I want you to know that I won't ever be 'done' finding parts of myself that need more love, or areas of my life that stretch me when I least expect it. It's because I lead a truly human life, combined with experience and support, that I know the courage and hard choices it takes to make this step toward healing.

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Sarah Kappen, PsyD
Psychologist
Ventura, CA

As a clinical psychologist, I understand that seeking therapy can be a challenging and vulnerable experience. This makes it all the more important to me to create a warm and welcoming environment where you feel comfortable and understood. My approach is compassionate and understanding, and I am here to provide guidance and support as you navigate the challenges you're facing and work towards positive changes in your life and relationships. I received my Master's and Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology from California Lutheran University. I completed a doctoral internship in clinical health psychology at Veterans Affairs Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center, an American Psychological Association (APA) accredited training site. I furthered my specialization in trauma-informed care with a postdoctoral residency at Veterans Affairs Los Angeles Ambulatory Care Center. I have training and experience implementing evidence-based practices such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy (IBCT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT). I am a certified provider of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for trauma. I have worked with couples, individuals, and groups in community, VA, and private practice settings. My research has focused on helping survivors of human trafficking and complex trauma. I truly believe in the power of therapy, and I am here to support and encourage you every step of the way. If you're located in California and need support, don't hesitate to reach out!

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Jess Myers
Pre-Licensed Professional

As a queer-identifying clinician, I bring a compassionate, affirming, and inclusive approach to therapy, honoring the diverse identities and lived experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond. I am deeply committed to building genuine rapport and trust, creating a therapeutic space where clients feel fully seen, supported, and valued in their authentic selves. My practice is grounded in LGBTQ+ and neurodiversity-affirming principles, informed by my B.A. in Women’s Studies and its emphasis on social justice, intersectionality, and feminist frameworks. My graduate training in Depth Psychology has enriched my understanding of the unconscious forces that shape our inner and relational worlds. From a psychodynamic perspective, I work collaboratively with clients to explore the patterns, motivations, and early trauma that influences their emotional lives and relationships. In addition to psychodynamic work, I integrate Family Systems theory and Internal Family Systems (IFS) modalities, approaches that support clients in navigating internal conflicts and relational dynamics with clarity, compassion, and self-leadership. My skills in attunement, active listening, and culturally competent, curious counseling allow me to adapt to each client’s unique needs and strengths. Whether you are seeking support for LGBTQ+ and/or neurodivergent identity exploration, relationship concerns, trauma healing, or personal growth, I strive to offer a therapeutic relationship rooted in empathy, curiosity, and collaboration; one that fosters healing, resilience, and empowerment. If you’re curious about working together, I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation. It’s a chance for us to connect and see if we’re a good fit.

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Rose Thorn Healing
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Brooklyn, NY

College is a big transition time that can bring up big feelings. I'd love to support you as you navigate new independence, relationships, academic stress, family dynamics, self-esteem, etc. My practice is warm, mindful & explorative. I offer a really empathic listening ear but lots of direct support and reflections too. Let's talk more and figure out what you need together.

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Sunlight Psychological Services, Inc.
Group practice
Agoura Hills, CA

Sunlight Psychological Services is a boutique private practice nestled in the foothills of the Old Agoura community. We offer psychological evaluations and science-based relational therapy for kids, young adults, and families. Our mission is to cultivate relational wellness in the whole family. Our psychologists have a variety of specialties which can meet the needs of a diverse client base. We believe in science-based therapy methods implemented with warmth, authenticity, and meaningful connection.

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Cassidy Russell
Marriage & Family Therapist
Calabasas, CA

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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