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Therapists for college students near University of Southern California

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MacKenzie Magnuson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
San Diego, CA
Accepting new clients

As someone who has experienced mental health both in myself and my loved ones, I feel inspired to provide care that is comforting, compassionate, and free of judgment. I am driven by being a support to those who need it, helping you improve, and guiding you towards fulfillment and your goals. I ensure you feel heard and respected by creating a comfortable environment where, together, we can explore the uncomfortable. I value establishing trust with you and I allow each client to set their own pace while I compassionately move you forward. I practice a talk therapy approach with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy influences. I am proud of my ability to establish trust and a strong therapeutic alliance with my clients. I do this by using humor and empowerment while also utilizing a direct approach. I recognize how difficult vulnerability can be so I do my best to create an environment that feels safe and enjoyable. I enter each session without judgment as I want to honor you and your experiences. I prioritize you feeling comfortable while sharing your innermost thoughts so, together, we can put the pieces back together and fortify your mental space.

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Shantall Prado
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Surfside, CA
Accepting new clients

Have you ever found yourself juggling a million tasks while speeding through life, or that happiness is just a fleeting emotion? Maybe you've developed some bad habits like drinking too much, and it's impacting your fullest potential. I’ve been there before, and that’s what drives me to help people find peace of mind and improve their lives. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am dedicated to helping individuals and couples overcome challenges related to substance abuse, depression, and anxiety. As a therapist, I encourage honest reflection, application of change and skills, and fostering new understanding. My specialties include, CBT, DBT and Psychodynamic therapy. The goal is to help people figure out why they do what they do, what they need to fix it, and how to live a happier and healthier life through a change in perspective and application. Together, we can explore what hurts the most and find resolution around what happened, what could have been, and hope in what can be. Times might be difficult and situations may be trying, but that doesn’t mean we can’t live a happy life. Together we can find new ways of navigating the world that work best for you! Let's journey together, one step at a time.

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Inward Healing Therapy
Group practice
San Diego, CA
Accepting new clients

Sometimes Life Feels Harder Than It Should You may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or unsure of what comes next as you navigate life’s challenges, relationships, family, work, or all of your responsibilities. Life may look fine from the outside, so no one really knows how much you’re struggling. But internally, you sometimes wonder if you’ll ever figure it all out, achieve the things you want for yourself, or get to a place where you genuinely feel happy and fulfilled. Perhaps you keep finding yourself in the same relationship patterns, struggling to communicate how you truly feel, questioning your decisions, or being hard on yourself. Maybe thoughts or experiences from the past still come up and keep you awake at night. Or all of your stressors and responsibilities play on repeat in your mind. You try to push past them and move forward, but somehow they keep resurfacing. Whatever you’re navigating, you don’t have to have everything figured out before you begin therapy. Sometimes you just need a space to slow down, understand what you’re feeling, and have someone help you navigate what comes next. At Inward Healing Therapy, we recognize that who you are and what you’ve experienced cannot be separated from the culture, family, relationships, and communities that have shaped you. Our therapists provide culturally affirming care that honors the identities, values, traditions, and lived experiences that are important to you. Rather than making assumptions about what healing or growth should look like, we work to understand what those things mean for you. Depending on what brings you to therapy, our work may include: - Understanding and managing anxiety, stress, and overwhelming emotions - Building confidence, self-esteem, and a stronger sense of self - Understanding anxious attachment and changing relationship patterns that leave you feeling insecure, stuck, or disconnected - Exploring how family, culture, and emotionally immature or unavailable parents may have shaped the way you see yourself and your relationships - Healing childhood and attachment wounds, trauma, PTSD, and painful relationship experiences - Recovering from narcissistic abuse and rebuilding trust in yourself - Strengthening communication, connection, and emotional security within couples - Developing practical tools to navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence Our therapists draw from evidence-based and trauma-informed modalities including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Psychodynamic Therapy, CBT, DBT, ACT, Inner Child Work, attachment-based, multicultural, and relational approaches, tailoring therapy to your needs, experiences, and goals.

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Erika Michel
Marriage & Family Therapist
Orange, CA
Accepting new clients

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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Lumenate Integrative Therapy
Group practice
Santa Cruz, CA
Accepting new clients

College is often a time of growth, transition, pressure, and uncertainty — and at times, it can feel overwhelming trying to manage everything on your plate. Trying to balance school, relationships, family expectations, work, social life, and your own mental health can feel like a lot. You may be feeling more anxious than usual, struggling in relationships, finding it harder to stay motivated, or feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of yourself. Maybe things don’t feel as okay as they look from the outside. Sometimes having a space to talk openly and make sense of what you’re feeling can make a meaningful difference. Therapy can offer a space to slow down and reconnect with yourself. At Lumenate, we offer a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can better understand what you’re experiencing and feel supported in the process. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, identity questions, stress, or life transitions, therapy can help you feel more grounded, connected, and confident in yourself and your relationships.

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Christo Franklin
Psychologist
Monrovia, CA
Accepting new clients

The most important thing for how well and how soon you get results in therapy is that you feel comfortable, like we have good chemistry, and that I get where you're coming from. And the second most important thing is that you feel like our plan---how we're going to work together--- is exactly right for you. I think only a conversation can help you know whether I'm right for you, so I offer you a free 15 min conversation to kick my tires :-) Btw, my schedule in not on this website but on https://headway.co/providers/christopher-franklin-2?utm_source=pem&utm_medium=direct_link&utm_campaign=81956 I am a really unusual combination of qualities. Maybe you are too?... I went to Princeton and Yale, but I'm Marxist (Socialist Equality Party). I trained to be an Episcopal priest; I love and married a Muslim woman, whose parents are from India/ Bangladesh and we both appreciate Zen. Growing up with divorced parents, I went back and forth from my father's farm to my mother's townhouse...and felt at home nowhere. I fostered two people since they were 10, who are like a son and daughter to me. I served a Spanish language, Mexican immigrant, LGBTQ+ Episcopal church in Los Angeles. (I know! REALLY unusual combination, right?) I have taught psychology at undergraduate, masters and doctoral levels. I used to be a hospice chaplain and suicide negotiator (as a registered psychologist, not as a police officer) and a consulting suicidologist for ICE (yes, in 2 detention facilities, one for children the other, adults). Nowadays, I work with adult students, doing couples and individual therapy. I'm sex worker positive. (See my videos, TheSugarPsychologist on tiktok.) And I do evaluations for people adopting orphans in India.

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Michael Kirihara
Marriage & Family Therapist
Campbell, CA
Accepting new clients

Congratulations in starting this journey! Initially reaching out for support is often one of the most challenging steps of treatment. I love working with clients who have found the courage to take on that first obstacle and started looking for help. I believe in people where they are at in terms of their emotional lives and working to guide them where they want to be. I love working with people who are willing to put in effort to reduce their own suffering and lead a more authentic life.

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Heidi Aguilar
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Berkeley, CA
Accepting new clients

I am a mother of two boys and a wife with over 10 years of experience in psychiatry. My training spans various settings, including inpatient care, crisis units, the mother-baby unit, and academia as a lecturer. I have a particular interest in working with children, adolescents, and the perinatal population. What inspires me most in my work are the patients and their stories—helping individuals make progress and improve their quality of life. I believe in meeting each patient where they are, holding space for them, and listening to their needs as part of the healing process.

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Kristen Ackerman, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist
San Diego, CA
Accepting new clients

Welcome to my practice! I'm Kristen Ackerman, LMFT. I understand that college can be a rollercoaster of experiences. Whether you're riding the highs of newfound freedom or managing the lows of homesickness and academic stress, I'm here to offer support every step of the way. I specialize in helping individuals like you adjust to the transition of moving away from home, finding your footing amidst academic demands, and striking a balance between your studies and social life. Whether you're seeking to develop meaningful friendships or intimate relationships, I'm here to lend a listening ear and provide guidance. Navigating peer pressure is also a common challenge in college life, and I'm here to help you tackle those situations with confidence. Additionally, I have extensive experience supporting individuals dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, self-esteem issues, and identity exploration. No matter what you're facing, you don't have to go through it alone. I understand that finances can be tight for students, which is why I offer flexible rate options. My goal is to make therapy accessible and affordable for everyone who needs it. My therapy services are personalized to meet your unique needs. I utilize evidence-based practices such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness, while also integrating talk therapy for comprehensive support. I strive to create an environment where you feel comfortable and empowered to explore and grow. If you're ready to take the first step towards personal growth and making lasting changes, I invite you to reach out for a free consultation. Whether you prefer to call, email, or text, I'm here to support you on your journey.

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AP Vo Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
San Diego, CA
Accepting new clients

I help college and graduate students navigate relationships, family expectations, identity, academic and career stress, and major life transitions. My approach is relational, culturally responsive, and grounded in helping you better understand yourself and your patterns so you can feel more connected, confident, and clear about what comes next. As a bilingual and bicultural therapist with a background in both mental health and law, I understand that the challenges students face often involve more than one part of their lives. I provide a supportive space to work through relationships, belonging, cultural or family pressures, uncertainty, and change.

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Caitlin Blair
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sonoma, CA
Accepting new clients

Hi, I’m Caitlin, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW and LICSW) and founder of Tiny Cottage Therapy. I offer online therapy for college students and young adults across California and Washington who are navigating anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, and cultural or family expectations. College can bring a lot of pressure: to do well, to meet expectations, to have everything figured out. I provide a space where you don’t have to hold it all together. Together, we’ll work on understanding what’s been feeling heavy, learning tools to manage stress, and building more balance and self-trust. I take a warm, collaborative approach and focus on what feels most important to you. We’ll start where you are. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected to yourself as you move through this season of life. Most of the students I work with share a few things in common: they care deeply, try their best, and often feel pressure to keep it all together — even when they’re exhausted. They might overthink things, struggle to set boundaries, or feel torn between their own needs and what’s expected of them. Many of my clients identify as Asian American, AAPI, mixed-race, or multicultural, and are trying to balance family, culture, and school while figuring out who they want to be. Others are high achievers or caretakers who want to learn how to slow down, manage anxiety, and build a healthier relationship with themselves. If you’ve ever felt like you’re “too much” or “not enough,” or like you’re living your life on autopilot, therapy can be a place to pause, make sense of things, and start finding your own rhythm again.

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Sabrina Stutz
Psychologist
Raleigh, NC
Accepting new clients

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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San Francisco Center for Compassion-Focused Therapies
Group practice
San Francisco, CA
Accepting new clients

At The San Francisco Center for Compassion-Focused Therapies, we provide individual, couple, family, and group therapies for adults in California online, and in-person. Our clinicians apply effective and evidence-based psychotherapy methods that are reputable for addressing emotion regulation related challenges, and facilitating self-compassion. Besides providing therapy, we also conduct practice-informed research focusing on compassion and betterment of psychotherapy. Our Center is a place where psychotherapy, training, and research strive on the foundation of one another.

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Farrah Dalal
Marriage & Family Therapist
Corvallis, OR
Accepting new clients

I have worked with many University Students struggling with the adjustment and stress of a Masters or PHD program. I work in Downtown Corvallis offering in person or online sessions. Most of my clients come in with stress anxiety, depression, diversity issues, and trauma

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Advanced Health Care
Group practice
San Diego, CA
Accepting new clients

Dr. Ray and her team of therapists are committed to providing their clientele with support AND direction to help cultivate real changes in their lives, and they work together as a community to create an atmosphere of positive growth and change. The overall value of this company is to assist each client in a way that it has a lasting impact on bettering the overall community in which we live. ​Let Advanced Health Care join with you to create a healthier, happier, and more productive life. Whatever YOUR goals may be, let US help you to achieve them. Whether you dream to be a happier person, to have better relationships, to feel less anxious, to be a better parent, to stop an unhealthy habit, or to simply understand yourself better, we are here for you. Whatever YOUR goals may be, our team can help you to achieve them.

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Michelle Colarusso
Group practice
San Marcos, CA
Accepting new clients

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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Lindsay Evans
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Oakland, CA
Accepting new clients

Many of the people I work with come to therapy because they are feeling stuck or overwhelmed, seeking relief from anxiety or depression, needing support as they adjust to a new life circumstance, or are wanting to develop a better understanding of themselves. During therapy, I frequently look at the relationship between your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions and how they affect your daily experiences. I can help you identify key thoughts and specific barriers or behaviors that are interfering or impacting your quality of life. As we work together, I can offer tools and concepts that may be helpful for coping with difficult emotions, improving relationships, and changing unhelpful patterns. I offer a free, 20-minute phone consultation to prospective clients. This provides an opportunity for us to determine if we might work well together. We can talk about what is leading you to seek therapy and I can provide you with more information on my approach to treatment and answer any questions you may have.

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Nicholas Bowen
Psychiatrist
Temecula, CA
Accepting new clients

College can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. If anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress, or simply not feeling like yourself is making it harder to enjoy college or perform at your best, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Whatever you may be struggling with, I’ll work with you to understand what’s going on and find a solution that fits your needs, goals, and circumstances.

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Melanie Simms
Marriage & Family Therapist
Ventura, CA
Accepting new clients

I offer individual and couples therapy to college/graduate students and young professionals. My approach is collaborative, strengths-based, LGBTQ affirming, and trauma-informed. I believe that my clients are the expert on their own lives, while I am there as a witness, a source of support, and a toolbox of techniques and strategies.

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Ali Roth Roth
Marriage & Family Therapist
Louisville, CO
Accepting new clients

Many students have mental health concerns from time to time. We feel stuck or face certain challenges. Sometimes we know what’s wrong and other times, we have the nagging sensation that something feels “off.” It can be stress, anxiety, depression, or academic pressures. When we understand the causes of your troubles, we can alleviate your symptoms. And, when we do, you’ll feel renewed and be a better student, friend, romantic partner, son or daughter. When your desire for your own welfare overrules your limiting beliefs and negative self-talk, what you aspire to starts flowing into your lives—be it a relationship, academic success. Your manifestations become effortless, without internal strife and resistance.

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