Therapists for college students near Los Angeles, CA
DJ Handelman LCSW
Starting therapy is a big step—one that takes courage. College can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Maybe you're struggling with the weight of past experiences, feeling lost about your future, or dealing with relationship challenges that leave you unsure of where you stand. Balancing all of this while trying to keep up with school and daily life can feel like too much to handle on your own. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Therapy is a space where you can bring your full self—your worries, frustrations, hopes, and uncertainties—without fear of judgment. My goal is to help you make sense of what feels messy, reconnect with your strengths, and navigate the challenges that are holding you back. I specialize in working with college students and understand the unique struggles that come with this stage of life. If you're curious about how therapy might help, I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation. Feel free to check out my website or send me an email with any questions. No matter what you're facing, you're not alone, and I'm here to support you.
Debora Nagy
I am an ANCC Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner whom specializes in medication management and supportive psychotherapy. I received my Master’s of Science in Nursing from Western University of Health Sciences and my Post Masters degree as a Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Cincinnati. My clinical experience has provided me the opportunity to be exposed to a vast array of mental conditions and to work closely with individuals to improve their quality of life and overall wellbeing. I specialize in mood disorders, anxiety and ADHD. Psychiatry became my passion when I realized the disparity of services and care provided within our mental health care system. I believe it’s an honor and a privilege to work alongside individuals on their path to wellness. My goal is for each and every member to feel safe, empowered and heard. I am inspired to work in mental health by helping others attain a life they deserve and desire. I listen to each patient’s concerns and approach their care as a concerted effort. All psychiatry providers at Foresight have specialized experience in treating a wide range of common mental health conditions, including but not limited to ADHD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, depression, and PTSD. In addition, I specialize in the following areas: academic stress, deprescribing, holistic approaches to psychiatry, chronic illness, pregnancy, prenatal, postpartum, women’s issues (PMDD, PCOS, perimenopause, menopause, etc.)
Rikki Glantz
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Jeana-Marie Allan
I recognize how challenging it can be to know how to identify and best support your own needs. School, work, relationships, and other life stressors can be overwhelming, sometimes to the point of feeling lost or stuck in our tracks. At times, even our physical, bodily experiences of sadness, anxiety, etc., may feel disconnected from our logical, rational thoughts. During these times, it is helpful to have someone who will work collaboratively and therapeutically with you to help you address your concerns, gain insight into your thoughts and feelings, and restore your sense of balance and "wholeness" back into your life. I believe that it is never too late to be the best versions of ourselves, and we all have the right to live authentically!
Michelle McMullen
My academic study of transpersonal psychology and my own personal healing journey introduced me to therapists who inspired me to follow in their footsteps. Our partnership thrives on clear communication. I prioritize active listening and regular check-ins to ensure you feel understood and satisfied at every stage of our work. I work with clients to build trust and therapeutic alliance through supportive non-judgment, genuineness, and teamwork.
Jessica Orellana
Hi, I’m Jessica Nava Orellana. I am a talk style therapist and I’m so glad you’re here… I am a California-based Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist offering individual and couples therapy/Relationship Therapy. I also support individuals who are exploring relationships, grief and loss, work-life/ School balance, job loss and other life transitions. My approach is client-centered, collaborative, and grounded in compassion. I strive to provide a safe, supportive space where you can process whatever comes up in therapy, whether this is your first experience with therapy or you’re continuing your journey with a new therapist. We will work together to explore and tailor your goals at a pace that feels right for you. Therapy doesn’t always have to look a certain way. Sometimes it’s about checking in on the highs and lows of the week; other times it’s about deeper reflection and growth. Together, we’ll create space for your inner strengths to emerge naturally. You don’t have to do this alone.
Nicole Lako
I help teens and young adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, stress management, self-criticism/perfectionism, and improving communication and relationships. I apply multiple techniques including CBT and mindfulness practices.
Olivia Trujillo
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Lauren O'Brien, LCSW
Welcome, I'm so glad you're here. Hi! My name is Lauren O’Brien, LCSW (she/her), I am a psychotherapist and sex therapist specializing in supporting young and midlife adults who are navigating self doubt, fear, or anxiety related to identity, relationships, sexuality, or impulsive behaviors. After completing many years of training, degrees, and therapy of my own, I am honored to help people from all walks of life heal from anxiety, doubt, and unhelpful behaviors that prevent them from living authentically and without shame. This may include perfectionism, loneliness/isolation, people pleasing, interpersonal conflicts, fear, internet or porn use concerns, impulsive/compulsive behaviors, disordered eating, and low-self esteem/crappy self-talk. If you're looking for a therapist who's super relational, authentic, attuned, and attachment-oriented, you're in the right place.
Diaspora Therapy Group
Diaspora (dai·a·spr·uh) Therapy Group was founded by members of the BIPOC and QTPOC. We believe in authentic communication and living your truth. Our goal is to help you find your voice and take up space in a world that can be challenging to navigate. As individuals who have experienced these challenges firsthand, we're here to virtually "hold your hand" throughout your healing journey. Though we're based in San Diego, CA, we offer telehealth services throughout California and Arizona.
Kayla Yasuda, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Do you often feel unheard, unseen, or unimportant within your relationships? Maybe you identify as hyper-independent or a people-pleaser, finding it hard to prioritize your own needs and often overthinking interactions. These patterns can feel isolating and deeply anxiety-provoking, and they often have roots in complex trauma, such as childhood abuse or growing up in environments where emotional needs were minimized or unmet. Perhaps you already “logically” connected these dots, yet you still feel stuck. That’s because complex trauma lives in the body and nervous system, not just the logical brain. I specialize in trauma-processing therapy, including EMDR, to help you safely process traumatic experiences and release the emotional burdens that come with them. I also integrate Narrative Therapy to help you reconnect with a sense of identity that reflects your true values, voice, and strengths. Therapy with me feels collaborative, safe, meaningful, and relieving. As a fourth-generation Japanese American therapist, I understand how cultural expectations around family, responsibility, and respect can make healing feel complicated. I help clients explore ways to preserve their emotional well-being, while still honoring the relationships and values that matter most to them. If you’re ready to break old patterns, feel more confident in yourself, and strengthen your relationships, I hear you and I see you. You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone.
Zar Getz
I cannot move mountains for you, but I can help you climb. Facing fears, healing from loss, finding meaning and joy - these are the inevitable tasks of life. Therapy may be your first step or your last resort. Often people avoid it all together because they believe their pain is too great, worry they will be judged or that their situation is too complicated. My aim is to provide radical acceptance in a safe and calm space where you can share a little more about what led you here. My style is collaborative and engaged. I believe therapy works best when we actively work together, both during our sessions and between them. While I always make space to listen carefully and understand your experience, I may also offer observations, feedback, and practical ideas that may help you move toward your goals. I use a variety of evidence based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy & Mindfulness. Flexibility is important, depending on what you want to work on or what comes up naturally.
Candace Giles Ervin
I am a child, adolescent, adult, and Forensic Psychiatrist with 10 years of post-graduate training in various environments. I have been working in the outpatient-sector for 7 years. I am inspired by knowing that mental wellness is possible and seeing that progress with my patients. I love being a part of a patient’s support network to attain long-lasting mental stability. I use a biopsychosocial approach to review all aspects of life that can impact progress to mental wellness.
Dauntless Counseling
Are you struggling with non-stop worry about all the things that feel out of your control? Or maybe you find yourself terrified of embarrassment, consumed by doubt, or suddenly overwhelmed by dread for no apparent reason. I would love to give you the tools to ease your anxiety, take back your life, and truly be yourself. The never-ending worries and intense physical discomfort of anxiety can be exhausting and overwhelming, especially when you're also trying to manage a course load! As your therapist, we would work together to identify what is driving your anxiety and then find the most effective strategies for you so that you don’t have to feel powerless anymore.
Gregory E. Koch, Psy.D.
Gregory E. Koch, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in California providing safe, non-judgmental, and empathetic care to both individuals and couples. Dr. Koch is devoted to helping clients feel safe in their relationships after experiencing abuse and trauma. He believes deeply in the power of positive human connection and that everyone deserves equal rights and opportunities. This is reflected in the honesty, respect, and trust that he provides for each person he serves. Dr. Koch provides in-office and teletherapy services for adults, couples, emerging adults, and adolescents. Areas of Specialization: -Undergraduate and Graduate Student concerns -Anxiety -Abuse & neglect -Generational trauma -Life transitions & change -Relationships -Trauma & post-traumatic stress My Philosophy and Approach: The ability to feel safe is one of the most important aspects of mental health. When we grow up with family dynamics that make us feel unsafe or invalidated, we can struggle to feel accepted and understood. I am committed to helping stop emotional wounds from being passed down through generations by teaching strategies to move from blame and reactivity to empathy and connection. My goal is for you to feel seen, heard, and valued. My approach to therapy is caring, collaborative and action oriented in a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) framework. I utilize an integrative approach that includes Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), which are both evidence-based practices that can help reduce trauma-related symptoms. An area that is very close to my heart is working with clients from culturally diverse backgrounds and the LGBTQ+/GSRD communities. Clients of all genders, sexual orientations, and relationships are warmly invited to explore these identities in my practice. I also have extensive background related to the developmental tasks of early adulthood. I am passionate about helping emerging adults and adolescents develop confidence and lead fulfilling and meaningful lives. What You Will Experience Working With Me: When we experience any kind of trauma, we have both emotional and physical reactions. This can look like anxiety, trouble sleeping, feeling disconnected, having intrusive thoughts, or withdrawing from others. We will work together to develop practical tools and strategies to address these problem areas and help you navigate through even the most challenging life circumstances. Clients that I work with appreciate my integrative approach, which is a whole-person perspective that treats both the mind and body. For example, I emphasize practices that draw attention to your breath and body to promote relaxation and teach you techniques for quieting the mind and calming the body. Integrated therapy has been found to be particularly helpful for anyone who has experienced trauma, as well as anxiety, stress, and challenges with work-life balance. My Work With Couples: One of my strengths as a therapist is to guide people to improve their relationships. We can learn the most about ourselves in the context of meaningful relationships and I view conflict in romantic relationships as an opportunity for profound and powerful growth, learning, and healing. I provide couples therapy that is accessible for all partners in romantic relationships. This means that I welcome clients of all genders, sexualities, and relationship diversity. You might ask, “What is ‘relationship diversity’?” It can mean many things, such as polyamorous couples, non-monogamy, and different types of kink relationships. I specialize in Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT), an evidence-based, interactive, and action-oriented approach. In IRT, you will learn a new way of talking to your partner to improve your communication and help you understand them on a deeper, more empathetic level. I am also trained in the Gottman Method of couples therapy, which I integrate with IRT. Education & Training: Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Gender and Human Sexualities, California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, San Diego Professional Affiliations & Duties: -Member, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee for UCSD Student Health and Wellbeing Cluster -Member, UCSD’s Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Issues -Member, University of California-wide Transgender Care Team -Adjunct Professor, California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University -Invited presenter to community and university-based groups and organizations on a variety of topics Professional Memberships: -California Psychological Association (CPA) -San Diego Psychological Association (SDPA) -Imago Relationships North America (IRNA)
Emily Powers, LCSW
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2010, I’ve been treating adults and adolescents experiencing life challenges which sometimes leads to symptoms of anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and substance use. I believe we are all unique and our life experiences shape how we see the world. I work with the individual to find a path that facilitates self-growth and clarity. I graduated from the University of Southern California in 2007 and am licensed in the state of Nevada and California. I provide service in office and/or Telehealth.
Carolyn Huynh
Depth-oriented, psychodynamic therapy for children, adolescents - and their parents, as well as adults. For many, this work begins after other approaches have helped — but not quite enough. When the problem keeps returning, it often means something deeper hasn't been reached yet. My clients are parents who have tried behavioral plans, accommodations, or previous therapies and are still searching for something that gets to the heart of it. I also work with teenagers navigating unique challenges, and adults carrying long-standing patterns. I am currently in doctoral training in psychoanalytic clinical social work. Together, we look beneath the immediate concerns to understand the emotional and relational dynamics shaping your experience over time. The goal is not just symptom relief but deeper awareness that supports meaningful, lasting change. This is reflective, relational work — unhurried and collaborative, with room for genuine exploration. I bring over seven years of clinical experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families in school and community settings. My school-based counseling background across multiple districts informs my understanding of how school systems, learning differences, and special education processes affect children and families. ~Carolyn Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker 408.912.2461 x415 chuynh@processes.org *Under clinical supervision of Gayathri Ram Mohan, LCSW #102168
Desirée Reitknecht MFT
I specialize in treating Anxiety, Depression, Resolving Relationship Challenges, ADHD, Autism Spectrum and Neurodiversity, and Issues related to Sexuality Diversity. I provide a warm skillful non-judgmental therapeutic relationship to explore your current life goals, assess your progress and identify adjustments and barriers. In the therapy work, we will design a plan forward that includes your specific emotional, physical and mental health needs. Taking into consideration your strengths and unique potential for change, the therapy will explore themes such as your self-narrative, capacity to communicate and understand your needs and desires and the quality of awareness and presence you want to experience in your life. Applying evidence-based tools and strategies, my treatment approach integrates psychoanalytic relational theory, DBT, AEDP and Somatic embodiment theory and practice. These foundational psychological treatment approaches comprehensively apply cutting edge cognitive and neuroscientific concepts to help inform the path through transformation and an overall sense of dynamic balance and well-being. You can expect to develop foundational observation skills to enhance self-awareness to improve your inner control of attention which will offer a range of new possibilities and choice points to contribute to your personal development. I will show you how to manage distressing emotions and learn effective strategies for interpersonal communication. By enhancing lateral thinking abilities for creative problem solving and executive functioning planning there are limitless opportunities to create the life you have envisioned for yourself. I am a parent of three children and a somatic embodiment enthusiast. I am aspiring oneironaut who seeks to explore and map the inner and outer atmospheric dimensions of experience. I obtained my Master's degree at California Institute for Integral Studies, a holistically oriented, progressive university based in San Francisco and I have been licensed 23+ years. I am currently completing my Ph.D. coursework at California Institute for Integral Studies in the Transformative Studies Department. My research interests include the phenomenological and hermeneutic dimensions of embodiment. I am an avid advocate for displacing human exceptionalism to elevate and advance our ethical responsibility towards the more-than-human co-experients that we share the Earth with.
Laidlaw Counseling
If you're longing for deeper joy, intentionality, purpose, and wholeness in your life, today is a good day to begin. It can be difficult to prioritize yourself in the craziness of life and everything you already hold… but the benefits stretch so far beyond yourself to everyone you interact with, and especially to the ones you love most. I take a holistic approach to addressing anxiety, trauma, and life transitions- which means I consider the physical, mental, relational, and spiritual aspects of your life and how they interact. I use a variety of frameworks, including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), family systems, attachment, and mindfulness. I specialize in working with clients experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, or PTSD who are ready to take control of their lives back. I take an in-depth, holistic approach to discover & address root causes, paired with practical tools and coping strategies you can use right away. I value & incorporate your feedback along the way to create an approach that fits, so you can experience lasting change. If you’re ready to take intentional steps, I’d love to connect. I offer a free consultation so you can ask questions and see if it feels like a good fit. Email me to get started.
Regina Battle
I would share it has been a life-long desire and practice to participate in the personal growth of youth and adults. I would share my life experience in teaching, community, and faith-based service. I would share this thought… “the words silent and listen have the same letters, sometimes it can most effective to do both in order to be heard and understood.” I would share that working together is most profitable when it is a TEAM effort and boundaries and respect are foundational. I would also remind the client that achieving their desired goals, building trust and a healthy alliance, is a process.