Therapists for college students near UCLA

Exhausted by the way you think about yourself? We are often (if not always) our own worst enemies. Whether this pattern has caused you problems with guilt, shame, anxiety, depression, addiction or you name it - the starting point is generally the same. When we embark on the project of therapy you will be asked to put your painful thoughts and feelings into words. As the process unfolds, the strength and fervor used to overthink and condemn yourself will become accessible to use productively in reaching your goals.

Melanie invites you to explore and embrace all the parts of who you are, recognizing that your intersecting identities shape your experiences and the way you interact with the world. She takes a thoughtful, down-to-earth, and at times, direct approach that blends working toward meaningful goals with staying present. With warmth, honesty, and just the right dose of humor, she creates a space where you feel safe enough to risk vulnerability. You might benefit from working with Melanie if: - You're facing a big change, like a breakup, a move, a new job, or a loss, and feeling untethered. - You've achieved a lot, but continue to be plagued by anxiety, depression, burnout, and self-doubt. - You're an athlete, artist, or high performer, whose inner life doesn't match your outer success. - You're processing trauma or childhood experiences that still impact you today. - You want support managing stress, emotion dysregulation, and executive dysfunction. - You're tired and frustrated by not getting what you want out of your relationships. - You wish you could set appropriate boundaries, find the words to articulate the internal workings of your mind, and have the confidence to express your needs.​

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

In-network with Aetna. Tried therapy before and didn't quite help? Therapy helped before, but still struggling? My approach is different! I see people seeking support for many difficulties, including: imposter syndrome, self-esteem, boundaries, vulnerability, excessive guilt and shame, communication skills, difficulty asking for help or saying "no," and more. Reducing self-judgment will help you to make better decisions that are aligned with your core values. I have been in the mental health field for over 20 years and I also have extensive experience working with undergraduate and graduate students at high-pressured universities.

I became a clinical counselor because I believe healing begins when someone feels authentically heard. Life can be incredibly loud, leaving us feeling disconnected from what matters the most. I provide a quiet, attentive space dedicated to your voice and your experiences. Whether you’re facing uncertainty or deep challenges, my goal is to ensure you feel fully understood and supported during life transitions. I believe the therapeutic relationship is important and I foster transparency in my work. I seek to have genuine curiosity to collaborate in having clients identify connections in thought process, emotions, and behaviors. This process is your journey, and you are the expert on your own life. I follow your lead, respecting the pace that feels right for you. This collaborative approach ensures that our work together is grounded in safety, dignity, and a shared sense of purpose. If it rains during our session, I might look out a window for a second because that ‘rain smell’ is my favorite.

Hi, I’m Shannon Boe, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) dedicated to supporting college students and adults as they navigate life’s transitions. Whether you’re managing anxiety, overcoming depression, or seeking clarity during a new life chapter, I’m here to help. At Eras in Bloom Therapy, I offer a compassionate and collaborative space for growth. While talk therapy is central to our work, I also utilize EMDR as an additional modality when it aligns with your goals. Together, we’ll create a path toward a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Hi, I’m Hannah. I have extensive experience supporting college students as they navigate challenges like anxiety, performance anxiety, self-esteem, emotional regulation, and relationships. My approach is collaborative and authentic, and clients often describe me as down-to-earth and attentive, meeting them where they are and moving at a pace that feels right for them.

Life is full of moving pieces, and maintaining balance, relationships, healthy boundaries, self-esteem, and so many more often feels difficult. I am committed to developing a transparent, safe, and collaborative relationship with my clients. Feeling overwhelmed by current or past trauma(s), depression, anxiety, or a burden you have carried through life can be helped through the therapeutic relationship process. You are the expert on your own life, and I don’t take that for granted. Together, we will find the best path for your therapy journey. I will strive to help you develop new ways of thinking and support you in finding peace and confidence to help you create the life you want and deserve. I’ve spent over a decade working with clients from diverse backgrounds and settings, and it became clear that no one type of therapy fits everyone. I approach relationships with my clients warmly, mindfully, and compassionately. Our life experiences often shape the pattern of our thoughts and behaviors and perspective of adult life. Each of us brings our own stories to therapy, and would be an honor to learn about yours.

We are trauma therapists who provide trauma-focused therapy through EMDR therapy, relational trauma therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), AEDP, and IFS. We work with BIPOC & AAPI students and international students who have a history of trauma or PTSD. If you are a student who is struggling with past or ongoing difficult family dynamics, a history of eating disorders, substance use issues, sexual assaults or abuse in childhood, or struggling with intimate relationships, friendships, and social relationships, please reach out. We can help! We help you process what happened so you are no longer stuck in the past or in pain.

I always felt that I was called to help others. Growing up in South Los Angeles, I developed a sense of culture and community amongst Black and Brown people as well as a respect for the struggle. I grew up around artists, musicians, poets, leaders, givers, and eccentrics from all walks of life. During this time, I discovered how much I enjoyed listening to people, problem-solving, and motivating others to succeed and explore their authentic selves. I started off as a mentor in undergrad, inspiring other young people of color to attend college and think outside of the box in regards to their futures. I continued working with children, teens, and adults with special needs until I landed a position as an intern at a non-profit mental health agency in South Los Angeles. After I obtained my license as a marriage and family therapist, I continued to grow as a clinician, supervisor, and manager at the nonprofit while also taking on teen and adult clients in the private practice setting. My intake process is a free-flowing conversation where I provide a warm environment for you to feel comfortable opening up about yourself and what brings you to therapy. I used a standard intake questionnaire that can be filled out online and reviewed during the first session in order to assist with goal-setting and creating our therapy journey together. Progress is something that we agree upon collaboratively. I do give assignments as appropriate and depending on the goals we have established together. These assignments are not designed to feel like work but rather stepping stones to help you along on your quest for inner healing and positive change. I enjoy working with clients who want to grow and learn about themselves while tackling life's challenges.

Navigating different life transitions is challenging and often a struggle to work through on your own. it can be difficult to manage emotions, relationships, stress, and other mental health concerns. I want to support you in becoming the best version of yourself and provide a safe space for you to explore your identity. I have experience working with a wide range of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, AD/HD, Autism, family conflict, and social issues. I use a culturally sensitive approach to work with those who are struggling with emotional expression and internal motivation. Through a holistic approach, I aim to help clients in managing emotions and building coping skills to overcome personal challenges. My interventions often focus on identifying and validating feelings, self acceptance, self care, and life balance. My goal is to guide clients in building self confidence and supporting them on their journey. Together, we will use your strengths to make meaningful change in your life. I’m looking forward to supporting your growth and self discovery!

Are you feeling overwhelmed with school work or uncertain about your career of relationships? Getting help can feel challenging. If you have decided to seek support, then I can work with you through a problem-solving approach. With a foundation of trust, together we can work on formulating goals and explore new solutions for the changes that you want. Together, we can also build solutions to maintain the balance that you need to recharge and have a happy, healthy life. I provide students with a warm, safe, non-judgmental, and confidential space to optimize healthy coping strategies. I do this by empowering students to build upon their skill sets and by incorporating a multicultural perspective. If you have decided it is time to reach out for help, Together, we can work on formulating a plan.

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.

Whether you are coping with loss, relationship challenges, emotional neglect, abuse, or systemic stress, you do not have to navigate healing alone. I strive to create a compassionate, supportive space where clients can build autonomy, strengthen coping skills, and develop emotional resilience. My goal is to help my clients better understand how chronic stress impacts emotional well-being and to develop the skills to create meaningful, lasting change. The part I love about this field is seeing my clients transform into the person they've fought hard to become. I have witnessed the impact of mental health needs within my community, therefore, I will support you no matter your class, population, or race. If you've made it this far, thank you for your time. I hope I am a good fit for you! Regards A. LCSW

Hi! I’m Jen, a therapist living & working in Santa Monica, CA. I offer in-person and virtual therapy for teens, adults, and couples, with a special focus on supporting college students navigating life’s big transitions. College can feel like a constant pressure to have it all figured out, like keeping up with classes, planning your future, maintaining relationships, becoming independent. It’s easy to go on autopilot and miss the internal struggles happening under the surface. In our work together, we’ll take a closer look at the patterns, beliefs, and experiences shaping how you move through the world - not with judgment, but with curiosity. That might mean noticing how the past shows up in the present, tuning into what actually feels good (which often gets overlooked), or learning how to ask for what you need with more confidence and empathy. I know firsthand what it’s like to seem “fine” on the outside while feeling overwhelmed inside. My own experiences navigating high-pressure environments, family dynamics, and personal growth have shown me how powerful it is to have a space for reflection, connection, and honest support. My approach is insight-driven, relational, and strength-based. This means we'll work on understanding why you do what you do, not to label it, but to learn from it, and build on the strengths you already bring to the table. The relationship we build in therapy becomes a space to practice things like vulnerability, setting boundaries, and getting your needs met, so that over time, the changes you make here can ripple into your everyday life — in classes, friendships, dating, and beyond.

My treatment approach is customized for each client, integrating multiple evidence-based techniques as needed. My small private practice allows me to see fewer clients and spend more time crafting your personalized, evolving treatment plan. Between sessions, I use research, expert consultations, and careful reflection to enhance your quality of care. I have personally benefited from and deeply believe in every method I use. I am supervised by Dr. Brandi Kulikov-Ramirez, MA, PhD, LMFT #134149.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where individuals feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes. My clinical experience includes working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, family conflict, life transitions, behavioral concerns, self-esteem challenges, and stress related to school, work, and personal relationships. My therapeutic approach is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to each client's unique needs. I draw from evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), trauma-informed care, attachment-based interventions, and family systems therapy. Together, we will identify strengths, develop practical coping skills, and work toward goals that align with your values and vision for your life. Whether you are facing a specific challenge or seeking personal growth, I look forward to supporting you on your journey toward healing and resilience.

My goal in sessions is for clients to feel self-aware, empowered, and grounded in who they are to better connect with the person they want to become. This kind of therapy leads you toward a happier home life, better communication with family/friends, feeling accomplished and relaxed at the end of the day, or feeling confident in your ability to tackle roadblocks. I am committed to creating an environment for clients to feel safe and comfortable to open up about difficult topics. This safe space is where we can honor those feelings and experiences, gain a sense of acceptance, and work together to create a journey forward towards a purpose-filled path. My areas of focus are trauma, anxiety, grief, behavioral issues, anger management, social skills, self-esteem, family dynamics, personal growth, high-stress environments, and more.

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.

What inspires me to work as a therapist is the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution on a daily basis. As an immigrant woman of color, who is bilingual and bi-cultural, my family’s struggle to achieve mental health despite deep seated stigma and shame illuminated my commitment to work as a therapist. Clients are the owners of their lives, and I respectfully honor their right to self-determination. A basic guiding principle in my therapeutic work is that clients are able to succeed when they choose their goals and their psychological needs are met. As such, it is my job to encourage competence and mastery of their own paths. That is, what works is what works for the client! Trust is the cornerstone that allows positive growth in therapy, which for me includes empathy, validation, and unconditional positive regard of the client. Reinforcing that we are all doing the best we can, and that coming to therapy is not a failure, but rather it is a growth opportunity.