Therapists for college students near University of Southern California

I am most passionate about helping people from various cultural backgrounds, young adults, college students, and teens because I believe these populations are often unseen and struggling with depression, anxiety, life transitions, and intergenerational trauma. Asian Americans from immigrant families hits close to home! I believe therapy is for you if you are seeking healing and personal growth, feeling lost, burnt out, and alone, or even if you have thought about trying therapy and you are unsure if you need it. I aim to help you improve your life and regain control over your mental health. I use primarily Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to empower you to gain tools, new coping skills, and to challenge your inner critic that shows up in everyday situations so you can have a more fulfilling life. We will explore origins of negative core beliefs and process your unique struggles. My therapeutic style is tailored to your specific needs and emphasizes genuine interactions, lighthearted humor, compassion, and collaboration. If you feel alone in what you're going through, I am here to listen to you and provide you support every step of the way. I encourage you to schedule a free 15 minutes call/video consultation with me to get an idea of how I might help and work with you. I believe it is important for you to find a good fit which is vital for more effective therapy.

As a Black woman who is often seen as "having it all together," it may be challenging to admit that you are having a difficult time. You may automatically say that you are "good" or "well" when people ask how you are doing but know deep down that this is a mask of how you are really feeling. Recognizing and admitting to yourself about the mask is the first courageous step to getting support. Even though many of us have been told to not let our guard down by showing others that we do not have it all together or that only "crazy" people who do not look like us go for therapy (not true!), you know what you need for yourself.

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'm Brooke Sundin, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and the owner of Light Minds Child and Family Therapy, a private practice based in Brentwood, Los Angeles. I work with college students and young adults adjusting to new responsibilities and the growing pressures of adulthood. The clients I work with are often dealing with anxiety, OCD, depression, self-esteem struggles, and the life transitions that come with this stage: starting or finishing college, moving to a new city, figuring out relationships, choosing a path, or grieving the version of life you thought you'd have by now. Some of what we work on is symptom-focused. A lot of it is bigger than that, like building a clearer sense of who you are and what you actually want. My approach is collaborative, interactive, and warm. Therapy can be a vulnerable space to step into, and I'm here to cheer you on along the way. I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all model, so I adjust my approach based on what you actually need. I draw on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness. I'm also certified in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) through the Yale Child Study Center, which I use when parents want to be part of the support system. I'm licensed in California, Florida, Utah, and Tennessee, and I see all clients via secure telehealth, which tends to work well for college students juggling class schedules, internships, and a life that doesn't sit still. Reaching out for support is one of the hardest steps, so thank you for considering me. If it seems like we could be a good fit, I'd be honored to learn more about your story and welcome you to the Light Minds family.

Are you tired of anxiety and old habits preventing you from achieving your goals? Have you been dealing with life's problems by trying harder, venting to friends and family, and avoiding stressful situations, and things never seem to get better? Are you ready for change? I’ll work collaboratively with you to tailor time-tested and evidence-based approaches to meet your specific needs. My Background and Approach We’ll work together to see how old habits and ways of dealing with life’s problems might be holding you back. One of the most common ways people deal with problems is through avoidance. If you avoid anxiety provoking or uncomfortable situations, you’ll feel better in the short-term. However, you’ll probably find that you end up avoiding more and more and your world will get much smaller in the long-term. We’ll work together to find new ways of thinking and approaching life’s problems so your world can open up and you can live according to your values rather than based on uncomfortable emotions. We'll collaborate to develop personalized exercises to help you to face your fears whether you're suffering from insomnia, OCD, or performance anxiety at work or as an athlete/performer. I have helped students, retirees, stay-at-home-parents, surgeons, world class athletes, ballet dancers, and people from all walks of life. Sport Psychology I am also passionate about helping athletes and performers of all kinds to perform at the upper range of their abilities. I have worked with competitors at the high school, amateur, community college, university, professional, and world class levels. I currently provide sport psychology services for the U.S. National Sumo Wrestling team and a Women’s Premier Soccer League team. I am a member of the International OCD Foundation's Anxiety in Athlete's Task Force, which is aimed at providing education and resources to athletes suffering from OCD. My Beliefs and Interests I believe that mental health should be viewed the same way as physical health. Most of us wouldn't judge someone for catching a cold, pulling a muscle, or living with a chronic illness. So, why do we judge someone who feels depressed, has a panic attack during an important presentation, or lives with OCD? I also believe that if society can appreciate people going to the gym to stay fit or have empathy for people undergoing a life-saving surgery, we as a society, can also appreciate and empathize with people going to therapy to maintain their mental health and address mental illness. I believe that with effort and learning people can grow to be stronger than the problems they face. I have the privilege of being able to help people on their journey of personal growth as my job! When I am not working you can find me listening to audiobooks and watching great movies and shows. I am still an avid supporter of House Stark (books and HBO). Call Today Whether you are struggling with your mental health, or you are just trying to improve your performance, I can work with you to meet your goals. Please call (310) 375-4855 Ext.14 or email jvonstietz@cbtsocal.com to set up a FREE phone consultation.

With many years of experience in community and private practice, I am deeply inspired by the resilience of the human spirit and the courage it takes to seek growth and healing. My passion for mental health care stems from my understanding of how past experiences shape present relationships and behaviors. This perspective drives my commitment to helping individuals understand and transform the narratives that may leave them feeling overwhelmed. In our sessions, I create a warm, direct, and interactive environment where you feel truly heard and understood. By collaborating with you, I aim to normalize your experiences and empower you to lead the way in making the best decisions for your personal growth and self-development. Together, we’ll build a sustainable framework for mental health and coping skills to support a balanced and fulfilling life. Trust is the cornerstone of my approach. By honoring your unique story and meeting you with empathy and respect, I strive to foster a strong therapeutic alliance. Whether working with individuals, families, or communities facing challenges like trauma, substance abuse, or homelessness, my goal is to provide person centered care.

Flourish Psychology Services is a telehealth private practice offering individual and family therapy for college students. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by academics, navigating relationships, adjusting to campus life, or exploring who you are, we’re here to support you. College can bring stress, anxiety, identity questions, and big life changes. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. We provide a warm, supportive space where you can feel heard, understood, and valued. Together, we’ll build practical tools to help you feel more confident, balanced, and grounded. We support students who may be experiencing anxiety, stress, depression, relationship & peer challenges, self-esteem issues & identity development, family conflict, life transitions, loss & grief, trauma & PTSD. Taking the first step toward therapy is courageous. We look forward to supporting you as you grow and flourish.

I became a therapist because I believe everyone should have access to a safe space where they can feel truly heard and seen. Life’s challenges may have you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or wondering why certain patterns keep repeating. My goal is to provide a safe, collaborative, and non-judgmental space where you can feel supported and understood. I strive to ensure that clients feel heard by providing a non-judgmental perspective and supporting them in reconnecting with themselves in a deeper and more compassionate way. I also regularly encourage clients to share feedback and discuss any concerns they may have about the therapy process. In sessions I work to build trust and a therapeutic alliance by providing a warm and welcoming space and stressing collaboration and the client’s role as the expert in their life. I’m passionate about working with individuals navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, stress and burnout, relationship challenges, and identity related concerns. I use humor, warmth, cultural sensitivity, and curiosity to help clients gain insight into their experiences and make deeper connections with parts of themselves that they have been struggling to access. I enjoy sharing my belief in the power of routines and spending time in nature when possible, even if it’s just sitting by your window or in your yard or patio and soaking up the sun because these small habits can help alleviate at least some of our day to day stress. This often helps clients become aware of things they are already doing or may have done in the past that can have a positive effect on their well-being.

I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, veteran, and former ER nurse and healthcare administrator dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized mental health care. My background in emergency medicine taught me how to support people through some of the most difficult and vulnerable moments of their lives. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I value creating a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where patients feel safe being themselves. I take a collaborative and down-to-earth approach to treatment, with a focus on helping patients feel understood, empowered, and supported in building meaningful, lasting change. My path into psychiatry was shaped by both my professional and personal experiences. Working as an ER nurse, I saw firsthand how deeply mental health affects every aspect of a person’s life and how often people were struggling silently long before reaching a crisis point. Those experiences inspired me to pursue a role where I could build longer-term relationships with patients and focus not only on stabilization, but on healing, growth, and overall quality of life. As a veteran and member of the LGBTQ+ community, I also understand the importance of feeling seen, heard, and supported, which continues to influence the kind of care and environment I strive to provide for my patients. I take a collaborative, patient-centered approach to treatment and believe the best care comes from truly understanding each person’s unique experiences, goals, and challenges. I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel comfortable being open and honest. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, surfing, and endurance training. Staying active and spending time outdoors are important parts of how I maintain balance and mental wellness, and I enjoy connecting with patients over the importance of finding healthy outlets and activities that bring meaning and fulfillment outside of work and daily stressors.

What inspires me to work in the field of mental health care is the incredible resilience and potential I have witnessed in clients over the years. With over 10 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how people can grow, adapt, and persevere through challenges. It’s truly motivating to witness the transformative power of therapy, as it serves as the spark or stepping stone that helps individuals create lasting change in their lives. I am inspired by the strength we all possess as human beings and the opportunity to be part of that transformative process, guiding clients toward a better future. To ensure that clients feel heard and understood in sessions, I focus on creating a safe and trusting environment where they can express themselves freely. I approach each session with cultural humility, recognizing that my norms and experiences may not align with those of the client. By leading with curiosity and empathy, I aim to foster a space where clients feel valued and understood. Additionally, I take a client-centered and trauma-informed approach, prioritizing the individual’s unique needs and experiences. I build trust and a strong therapeutic alliance by working collaboratively with clients to process difficult experiences. Together, we identify core beliefs and unhelpful thinking patterns that may be limiting their growth. By helping clients break free from these outdated beliefs and patterns, I create a space of support and empowerment, allowing them to move forward in a healthier, more constructive way. This collaborative approach fosters trust and a sense of partnership in the therapeutic process.

My name is Dr. Noah Lau Branson and I am a biracial licensed clinical psychologist providing therapy and counseling services in Pasadena, California. My practice is largely online and thus I provide services to people throughout California. I specialize in working with people and couples with mixed backgrounds (bi and multi-cultural/ethnic/racial) and other types of complex identity formation (religion/spirituality, LGBTQ+, SES). In addition, I have specialties in developmental and relational trauma, helping professionals (therapists, teachers, medical practitioners, pastors), and men’s issues. As a therapist, I believe reducing your symptoms is just the first step. I want to help you discover the roots of your pain, make meaning of your story, create healthy relationships with yourself and others, and take steps to live well.

Dr. Johnson offers a supportive and approachable therapy experience that blends real-world strategies with expert care. Her warm, down-to-earth style helps students feel comfortable while working through challenges like anxiety, stress, and depression. With over 15 years of experience using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dr. Johnson focuses on practical tools and personalized support to help each student build confidence, manage emotions, and navigate college life more effectively.

I was inspired to become a therapist because I’ve always believed in using your voice to strengthen what has been there underneath and to overcome challenges. Life can be very challenging and difficult to navigate, and you do not have to go through it alone-I am here for you. I entered this field because I am a true believer in being able to hold a safe space to talk about the difficulties that springs up in life. I always believed in being able to hear others, educate, and encourage resilience and being a therapist was a perfect way to offer these strengths. I enter each session with care, compassion and knowing that it can be very difficult to open up to another person and to be vulnerable. I want to reassure you that I am with you from the start to the end in our sessions and throughout this journey. I will actively listen, support, provide a non judgmental space and encourage advocacy and healing. I pay close attention to what is being shared, I will ask questions, clarify, and point out things “in the now” as they are happening, tuning in with your verbal and non verbal communication. I will meet you where you are with respect, attentiveness, being present and engaged. Together, we’ll create a space where your voice matters, your experiences are validated, and you can feel supported as you explore, heal, and grow. In our sessions you can trust I am fully present and no problem is too big to be talked about. I invite honest conversations knowing you are in a safe space that respects confidentiality at all times. Every journey is unique and it requires a unique approach and I am committed to using different evidence based treatment tailored to your needs. I take a holistic approach keeping in mind your culture, values, and life experiences. Our therapeutic alliance is important so I frequently check-in and encourage you to apply the skills learned to help you grow. I have seen through out my 11 years in the mental heath field the growth and healing that can come when someone is ready to take on this journey.

**Welcoming New Clients in CA and TX** Adulting is already hard enough; throw in infertility, postpartum depression/anxiety, pregnancy following loss (heIlo, anxiety!), loss/grief, trauma, relationship/communication issues and family conflict and now you've got discomfort, unpleasant feelings, disconnection and stress. While we may not be able to change all of the obstacles in your life, we can definitely work together to adjust expectations, reinforce coping skills, strengthen resilience, improve communication skills, set boundaries and elicit clarity and direction. We work collaboratively to support clients (after all, you are the expert on your own life) to utilize the strengths you already possess, identify obstacles and challenge unhelpful thoughts or patterns. We specialize in pregnancy following loss, infertility, miscarriage/infant loss, bereavement, trauma, anxiety, depression, family conflict, relational issues. Change is so hard! It can be overwhelming to consider what life would feel like without distress and uneasiness. However, you are more courageous than you give yourself credit for- you've made it this far, after all! Together, we can have candid conversation about your feelings and concerns and support your shift toward clarity, balance and stability.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience working with adults with depression, anxiety, work stress, self esteem and relationship issues.

I have always wanted to make a positive impact and in my journey to figuring out what that was, I realized I enjoyed providing people with emotional support and that is when I decided to become a mental health therapist. This is a safe, nonjudgmental space. What is it that you need to feel heard and understood? I do not come from an expert stance. I believe you are the expert in your life and we are both coming together to work collaboratively on how to help you along your life journey.

Hi! I’m Jada Thompson, a Licensed Couple and Family Therapist. I am a proud second-generation Mexican American, born and raised in the Big Sky State of Montana. I moved to the Los Angeles area over ten years ago to feed my sense of exploration and reconnect with my family, culture, and self. My early life experiences, including the sudden death of my mother during childhood, have shaped me into the person I am today and fueled my drive to pursue a career in mental health. I graduated from Alliant International University in Los Angeles with a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. While working in community mental health, I continued to grow in my work with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I offer individuals a compassionate space to explore identity, relationships, and life transitions with curiosity and respect. Whether facing cultural or religious trauma, rejection, or the pain of not feeling fully seen, we work together to uncover the roots of struggle and build tools for greater freedom, resilience, and fulfillment in the present.

Hello, my name is Emily and I am the owner of Rose and Resilience Wellness. I work best with students who feel like they’ve been carrying too much for too long. Many of my clients struggle with anxiety, trauma, burnout, self-esteem, relationship stress, people-pleasing, or feeling overwhelmed trying to balance school, work, family, and life transitions. Some students come to therapy after years of “just pushing through,” while others are navigating painful experiences that still affect them today. I strive to create a space that feels warm, safe, affirming, and judgment-free — more like talking to a supportive human than sitting in a stiff therapy office. I especially enjoy working with LGBTQ+ students, young adults, and students who may feel misunderstood, emotionally exhausted, or disconnected from themselves. My approach is trauma-informed, collaborative, and compassionate. I use EMDR and other evidence-based approaches to help clients process difficult experiences, build healthier relationships, feel more grounded, and reconnect with who they are beneath survival mode. Therapy with me is not about “fixing” you — it’s about helping you feel more empowered, understood, and able to move through life with greater confidence and resilience.

Hello, I’m Kimberly G. Galindo, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) serving adolescents, adults, seniors, veterans, and Spanish-speaking individuals throughout California. I specialize in ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, mood disorders, and medication management. I am board-certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and earned my Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University. I provide compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care through comprehensive evaluations, medication management, and supportive therapy. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where patients feel heard, respected, and actively involved in their care. With over 20 years of healthcare experience in critical care, behavioral health, leadership, and patient advocacy, I believe in treating the whole person, not just the diagnosis. Together, we will develop a personalized treatment plan to support your mental wellness, resilience, and overall quality of life.

My name is Betel, and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist providing telehealth services to individual adults, adolescents, couples, and families living anywhere in the state of California. I practice a humanistic and existential form of therapy, in which the art of nonjudgmental self-awareness is central. Through a process of sustained, open curiosity, my clients learn to renew contact with what they have exiled within. This experience of returning to one’s whole human nature brings increased choice, responsibility, spontaneity to their lives. As a guide, I also use depth and process-oriented techniques from gestalt, somatic, and mindfulness traditions. Therapy is a relationship and a dialogue. I show up with a style that is gentle but honest, and full of reverence for all the light & shadow that make up a human life. I especially welcome those that are pursuing matters related to identity, creativity, or major life transitions.