Therapists for college students near University of Southern California

My life experiences have led me to become a mental health psychotherapist. I understand many of the struggles we encounter in life and how important it is to seek support as we try to learn how to change. I treat all people with genuine care and compassion without judgment. I am real, direct, engaged and easy to connect with. My strength is in building trusting relationships in order to work through life’s challenges. I’m warm, have a great sense of humor (which can be a healthy healing agent when appropriate) and has a core belief that we can improve our lives through therapy. I will guide you to find your inner strength and solutions so you feel better about yourself whether you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, specific habits and behaviors. I have a diverse background of work and life experience. Previously I worked for high-tech companies as an expert in marketing communications. My business experience taught me much about human behavior and managing for successful outcomes using coping skills, assertiveness, and good decision-making. I have also practiced as a trained life coach, which I weave into my therapy practice when appropriate. I believe mental health is the foundation for health itself and worth your investment of time.

I work best with the misfits: geeks & nerds, punks, skaters, artists, musicians, writers, and activists. . . those who "rage against the dying of the light." My area of expertise consists in helping with difficulties in social relationships. Such difficulties include finding and sustaining healthy intimacy, healing from a painful break-up or divorce, school-related problems, recovering from major loss, and growing up in difficult circumstances. I am particularly suited to helping those who have cultivated their intellects and creativity but would now like to develop a greater awareness of their emotional world. Psychoanalytic thought informs my approach, but I'm far from being the silent, blank therapist. I think the psychoanalytic tradition provides the richest and most sophisticated exploration of how we love, work, and play.

I am accepting new clients who may be feeling challenged by PTSD, substance misuse, system-impacted, institutionally traumatized and/or suffer from ADHD and/or Autism.

I see mental health as part of one's overall wellness. My approach focuses on having fewer negative emotions, and also on more positive emotions. I offer tools that research has demonstrated are very effective for reducing suffering. I also assist you in seeing meaningful, practical change by compassion, warmth, and empathy with a bit of humor. However, there is no cookie-cutter approach. We work together, openly, to customize your treatment directly to your needs and strengths. I frequently work with POCs, high-achieving students and professionals, folks in major transitions, and those coping with imposter syndrome, perfectionism, procrastination, and worrying. I have a particular skill in working with women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals and people new to therapy and welcome your questions!

Ally Counseling and Therapy is a women owned practice. Our practice focuses on developing relationships with our clients and our community. We value being connected to our neighbors, community partners, and our natural environment. Our practice is safe, culturally sensitive and inclusive for all people to participate in psychotherapy. We are affirming of all LGBTQIA+ and gender diverse individuals. We are dedicated to teaching and empowering people to understand, improve, and take responsibility for their own emotions, relationships and intimacy. ​ Services at Ally Counseling and Therapy focus on cultural adjustment issues, racial identity concerns, trauma-focused treatment, women's issues, parenting struggles, parental mental health, anxiety and depression, the identification and treatment of psychosexual and relationship problems, infidelity, LGBTQIA+ issues and more. ​ We focus on innovative interventions such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Sex Therapy, Ericksonian Hypnotherapy, Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Expressive Arts Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment therapy, Life Coaching and animal assisted therapy. We are strength-based and solution-focused. Our practice is located in Chelsea and Long Island City NYC. We warmly welcome people all over the world to be a part of our community through Telehealth services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Everyone experiences moments in life when extra support can make all the difference. I provide a warm, open, and trusting environment where individuals, couples and families can explore challenges and work toward meaningful growth and change. With many years of experience in the field, I’ve had the privilege of helping people create positive, lasting transformations in their lives. I look forward to the opportunity to support you on your journey. With training in Imago Therapy, Positive Discipline, IFS, EFT, and CBT, I support individuals, couples, and families. My approach is rooted in connection, education, and personalized interventions that align with each client’s goals—promoting growth, healing, and meaningful change. Reaching out can feel overwhelming, especially during personal or relationship struggles—but you’re not alone. Together, we’ll create a safe, judgment-free space to explore your story and work through challenges. Whether you're facing conflict, parenting issues, or tough emotions, I’m here to support you.

My name is Jenaiah Sauceda, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Brentwood, CA. My journey in the field of mental health began with a deep-rooted passion for helping others, a value instilled in me by my family, which has a strong legacy in the helping professions. With dual Bachelor’s degrees in Women and Gender Studies and Social Work, alongside a Master’s Degree in Social Work focusing on Individuals, Families, and Groups from San Francisco State University, I have cultivated a solid foundation for my practice. Currently, I am advancing my education by pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology, with the goal of achieving this by the end of 2025. I specialize in supporting women through various challenges, including relationship issues, divorce, adoption, infertility, parenting challenges, as well as managing depression and anxiety. My approach to therapy is solution-focused, incorporating client-centered, supportive therapy, CBT, DBT, and behavior activation techniques. With a decade of experience and licensure since 2018, I have worked in diverse settings, including child welfare, adoptions, hospitals, and prisons, providing comprehensive mental health treatment. As a wife and mother who grew up in the Bay Area, I understand the complexities of life and the hurdles we all face. I believe that seeking support is a courageous step toward healing and growth. I recognize the stigma surrounding mental health and the barriers it creates, and I am committed to breaking these generational cycles. Together, we can change the narrative around mental health and foster openness and understanding. I look forward to partnering with you on your journey toward healing and growth.

I aim to provide a supportive environment that fosters reflection and growth. I am trained to provide evidence-based treatment in a flexible manner and often pull from CBT and DBT concepts and interventions. My approach emphasizes not only the building of skills to address your mental health symptoms but also skill development in the areas of communication and conflict management toward improving relationships. While I value maintaining a generalist practice, I have special interests in working with and supporting athletes and those who identify as a member of a marginalized group. I am also invested in helping people to access care that is right for them, and will make every effort to provide additional resources/providers if I am not the right fit.

I believe that therapy is a place where you can put your protective armor down and have permission to be your most authentic self. My hope is to hold a safe space where you can navigate through the challenges that life throws at us, especially when the pressure to hold everything together becomes too heavy and overwhelming.

Feeling stuck and empty? Worrying about relationships and feeling lonely? Anxiety and sadness? Overeating, using drugs or alcohol to cope? You are not alone and we can help. Individuals, couples, families. Ages 16 to adult.

If you’re feeling stuck after trying to do things on your own, then therapy could help you move forward. Together, you’ll learn to break old patterns, find joy in your life, and build a better path forward. Along the way, you’ll learn to navigate difficult situations, gain confidence, and express yourself authentically. Let's work together to overcome the issues causing indecisiveness, performance issues, and low self-esteem. Together, we'll create a way for you to meet your potential, break old patterns, and start on a better path forward. My approach is eclectic to fit your needs, help build your strengths, and create opportunities for growth. We'll create sustainable goals that align with your values and find strategies to overcome obstacles. My work draws from many years of helping adults, families, children, and couples in clinics, schools, and community settings. Therapy can be hard, so I want to make it comfortable for you. I'm a gamer and use video games in sessions to help you feel more at ease, build skills, and process your difficulties. Games, art, play, and many creative activities have been used in therapy to help people process their difficulties, express themselves, and make therapy personal.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hi, I’m Zirley Macias, LCSW, a bilingual (English | Spanish) therapist who meets with California college students via secure tele-health. For nearly a decade I’ve helped undergrads and grad students untangle test anxiety, academic stress, low mood, social or roommate conflicts, and the identity questions that come with campus life. Sessions feel like a friendly, judgment-free zone that doubles as a launchpad for growth: we blend evidence-based tools—Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused, and strength-based techniques—and, if you wish, faith-informed perspectives. You’ll leave each meeting with a bite-sized practice exercise you can fit between classes and study sessions, turning insight into daily habits. Whether you’re adjusting to dorm life, juggling coursework and part-time work, or simply feeling stuck, I’m here to help you find realistic solutions, stronger boundaries, and a sustainable sense of hope.

Dr. Marcille here. I am a licensed psychologist with over 30 years experience working with college students. I am a psychology professor and former dean of students. I've worked at universities both internationally and in the US and have experience working with diverse students. I enjoy working with college students, helping them with academic, personal and career issues.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Many people say that the college years are supposed to be some of the best in your life, yet it doesn't feel this way to you. Somehow you are missing out. Perhaps anxiety has you second guessing everything or your perfectionism or "OCD" has gotten out of hand. Perhaps you doubt yourself, put yourself down, or get the sense that everyone else has it all figured out except for you. Life doesn't have to be this way. I get it. I used to be a college professor and worked a lot with students transitioning to college and "adult life." I also know how hard things are when you are juggling college demands with the rest of "life," which may include a medical, family/friend, or work issue or just figuring out what you want to do with your life. Reaching out to ask for help is sign that you are aware something's not quite right in your life and you hope things can be better. Our time together is focused on helping you achieve your specific goals using treatments that are evidence-based. This means I only use the treatments that we know from research are helpful. I won't waste your time or money with treatments we know don't work. With any patient I work with, my goal is to eventually put myself out of a job. Sounds like a crazy business model, right? That is because my focus is on YOU and what you need. I want you to learn the skills that you need so you can graduate from therapy and live your best life.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.