Therapists for college students near Los Angeles, CA
I'm a licensed psychotherapist based in California. I am first generation Mexican American and have lived in Los Angeles all my life. I am a bilingual, Spanish/English, speaking therapist; although I gravitate towards speaking Spanglish. I graduated with my Masters in Social Work from USC. I received my B.S. in Sociology and Criminology from Mount St. Mary’s University. I have been working as a therapist for the past six years; where I have supported others in their mental health journey. Throughout my career as a therapist, I have worked serving low income communities and minorities in the public mental health sector. I have experience working with individuals struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, mania, and psychosis. I am passionate about working with adults navigating life transitions who feel overwhelmed and confused when thinking about their future. They often question that they are “not good enough” or worry about living up to other people’s expectations. We can work together in finding your identity, self confidence, motivation, and drive to face your challenges.
I work frequently with young adults as they manage increasing independence, college and work. I understand the challenges involved with balancing academic requirements, personal stressors and self care. Additionally, I am experienced in helping clients who are wanting to change their relationship patterns and behaviors, and those struggling to find effective ways to deal with symptoms related to depression, anxiety, and codependency. As a clinical psychologist, I assist my clients in meeting their goals and improving their relationships. Therapy is used to improve communication, coping skills and problem solving. One of my areas of expertise is in helping clients who are working through a particularly challenging time in their lives, and having difficulty moving forward from their experience. By encouraging self expression, increased insight and problem solving in therapy, I work collaboratively with clients to facilitate positive changes. Improving self esteem through greater understanding and acceptance of oneself is part of that work.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist with over 30 years of experience. I have worked with students since the 1990s in a variety of settings and most recently was the director of the Stanford student mental health program (2008-2017) then on staff (2017-2022). I treat a variety of conditions from anxiety and depression to ADHD and bipolar disorder. I also practice intensive short term dynamic psychotherapy (ISTDP).
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
I like to work with motivated and intelligent clients who want to grow and excel. I take a strength-based approach and focus on identifying themes and patterns in your life and coming up with a concrete action plan.
Hello! I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with 15+ years of experience. My specialties include depression, anxiety, and stress management among other things. I am most passionate about working with adolescents and teenagers dealing with academic issues, peer/relationship issues, and life transitions and also young adults dealing with life transitions and stress management. I strongly believe we all have the potential to learn, grow, and develop into the best version of ourselves. Contact me today for a free consultation.
Finding a healthy balance between work and fun can be challenging. Trying to excel in academics, sports, and career goals, while also enjoying the college experience, and life in general might seem out of reach. Stress and burnout affect people of all ages and in any stage of life, career, or sport. I can help you to reconnect with yourself and rediscover meaning. I provide a safe, non-judgmental, and empowering space to explore how. I work with clients aged 17 +. Challenges and topics include burnout, self-esteem, ADHD, high performance/intelligence, perfectionism, grief/loss, relationships, trauma, and self-improvement.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Meaningful relationships are an essential part of fulfillment and happiness. I believe in the unique power of the relationship that develops between therapist and client. Through an exploration of this interaction, we can more wholly understand your past and current relationships and help shape future experiences. I work with people who are struggling in a variety of ways and are ready to dig in and do some difficult and deeply powerful work that will lead to greater choice and freedom. I view my opportunity to join individuals in their journey toward self-understanding as a great privilege and find the work exciting and gratifying. I am committed to working with culturally diverse individuals, couples, and families from every walk of life. While much of my experience has been centered on work within the LGBTQ community, I strive to create an open and affirmative space for all. I am particularly effective working with adults, young adults, and adolescents. Through my training at Stanford University and University of Chicago, I feel uniquely capable in addressing issues surrounding identity, work, and school. I provide individual, couple, and family psychotherapy at my office in Hayes Valley.
Whatever difficulty is bringing you into therapy, ultimately it's an opportunity to learn about who you are, and how your personal and intergenerational history is affecting your experience of yourself and how you perceive the world. I work best with people who are hungry for this understanding, so they can untangle themselves from whatever is holding them back from living their best life. The truth can bring immense relief, but it is also often painful. I take seriously the need to create a relationship that is deeply compassionate and supportive, one that feels safe enough that you can confront whatever truth needs to be faced. We are embedded in cultures and political institutions that shape our experience. It is essential to consider larger social forces to fully make sense of our lives, and including these factors in the therapeutic process can help empower you by relating your personal difficulties to systems of power and oppression. Reaching out can be hard. I invite any skepticism or questions you have about me or how I work. I expect to earn your trust and respect, and I won't take it for granted.
Hi! My name is Suji Akhtar, a Korean American licensed marriage and family therapist in California. I specialize in anxiety, depression, multigenerational trauma, postpartum mental health, and immigration-related challenges. As a therapist, I'm dedicated to helping individuals navigate life transitions, heal from past traumas, and build resilience. My approach to therapy is grounded in compassion and cultural sensitivity, drawing from my own experiences as an immigrant, a parent, and a mental health professional. Whether you're struggling with the emotional rollercoaster of new parenthood, grappling with anxiety or depression, or seeking to break free from the grips of intergenerational trauma, I'm here to provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space for healing and growth. Together, we can explore your unique experiences and develop personalized strategies to help you overcome obstacles, manage emotions, and build resilience. I look forward to embarking on this journey with you and helping you thrive amidst life's challenges. As I am in multiple telehealth platforms, please do not hesitate to reach out to see if I accept your insurance.
I have rich experience working with individuals, couples, and families. Therapeutically, I am person-centered and focus on my client’s ability to adapt and develop as a person. I provide a safe environment for them to discover themselves and experiment with new ways of being and work through obstacles to lead fuller, more meaningful lives outside the therapy office. I am extensively trained and mentored in interpersonal neurobiology, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and Bowen family systems theory. I further provide therapy in Portuguese.
I support high-achieving professionals and students in Orange County and virtually across California in managing anxiety, stress, perfectionism, and burnout. Together, we’ll tackle setting boundaries, achieving work-life balance, overcoming people-pleasing tendencies, and navigating the pressure of high expectations. The goal isn't to give up optimizing your routine or lower your ambitions, but rather to find a sustainable, cohesive way to meet your demands without being run into the ground. My approach blends warmth, humor, and a nonjudgmental space where you can feel truly seen. Therapy works best when it’s based in genuine connection. A place where you don’t have to pretend to “have it all together.” I make no claims to perfection, and I won't hold you that claim either. Whether it’s workaholism, overwhelm, or simply finding balance, support is just one click away. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation today.
Living is so much more than simply breathing, eating, and sleeping—it’s about thriving. Are you truly living? Do you wake each day with a sense of purpose and hope, yet find yourself wanting support in setting goals or creating a plan for change? Are you struggling to understand who you are at your core or how to navigate an ever-changing, demanding world? What does living your life really mean to you—and are you growing, adapting, and responding in ways that feel healthy and harmonious? If not, I can help. I provide therapy, parenting support, and clinical supervision for individuals, couples, and families. My clients range from young children (as early as 18 months) to adults at all stages of life. I specialize in working with military families, divorce and infidelity, parent-child relationships, severe mental illness, depression, personality disorders, Autism/Asperger’s, complex medical conditions, and career transitions. Life is multifaceted—each part influences the others. Together, we’ll explore how these facets affect your wellbeing, relationships, productivity, and happiness. My approach is strengths-based, supportive, and collaborative. We begin wherever you are, working at your pace to build insight, resilience, and growth. You don’t have to navigate it alone. Let’s work together to help you not just live, but thrive.
PHILOSOPHY I believe meaningful connections are at the center of the human experience. We are social beings that thrive when we feel accepted, connected, and loved. These feelings can give us the confidence to show up in the world as our authentic selves and embrace our uniqueness. When we have a deeper understanding of ourselves and engage in unconditional self-acceptance, we gain a greater capacity to have fulfilling relationships. APPROACH My clients find my style humorous and compassionate as well as engaging and down-to-earth. My approach is holistic, engaging in all aspects of your wellness, with consideration for your mind, body, spirit, and heart. Thinking of my client’s needs, I use an eclectic and integrative method, pulling from traditional, innovative, and evidence-based techniques. Some of the modalities are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. My objective is to help my clients feel better as soon as possible, so I maintain a Solutions-Focused framework, offering direct feedback, actionable steps, and strategies to cope with current stressors. I am committed to having a therapeutic lens that is culturally sensitive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, health at every size acceptance, and social justice oriented. My ultimate goal is to assist you in identifying your unique gifts and using them to actualize your best self in the world.
College can be exciting and full of new experiences, but it can also bring a lot of pressure. Between academics, relationships, and figuring out your future, it is easy to feel stressed, anxious, or unsure of yourself. Therapy offers a chance to slow down, reflect, and work through whatever feels heavy right now. My approach is warm, collaborative, and culturally aware. I focus on helping students manage stress, anxiety, and relationship challenges while building self-understanding and confidence. Sessions are available online for students across California, and my goal is to make therapy a supportive space where you can be heard and find balance.
My therapy practice gives you the unique opportunity to take the space to be heard and discover what you really want. I specialize in helping clients work through betrayals and relationship issues. During our time together you will build resiliency skills, set healthier boundaries, and manage stress more effectively to led to a happier life!
I work with clients who are struggling with feeling "not good enough" whether because of their own inner critic or because of marginalization and oppression from a world that is telling you you are "too much," or "not enough." I am passionate about helping clients move past their anxiety, self-doubt, and self-criticism to feel confident, secure, and proud of themselves. I also integrate career counseling into my work, helping clients move towards a future they are excited about. I offer individual and group therapy online for folks located in California and Connecticut. I see clients in person from my office in Ridgefield, CT. Visit my website or contact me to schedule a free 20-minute consultation.
Being a student can feel overwhelming at times. Between classes, work, relationships, and figuring out who you’re becoming, it’s easy to feel anxious, burned out, or stuck. I want you to know that you don’t have to handle it alone. I provide a supportive, judgment-free space where you can talk openly and build tools that fit your life. It only takes a few sessions to feel more confident and in control. I specialize in strategies for coping with anxiety, panic and depression, as well as the management of ADHD. CBT strategies can be useful to resolve issues of procrastination or perfectionism. Together, we will decide which counseling approach and modality works best for you. I accept most insurance plans, including Cal-Optima/Medicaid. Depending on your particular insurance, I will guide you to schedule through the Headway or Octave platforms. All telehealth sessions are conducted in a private, HIPAA-compliant space.