Therapists for college students near University of Southern California

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Feeling weighed down by anxiety and often second-guessing yourself? Do you find yourself overthinking everything that could go wrong, procrastinating, or struggling to make decisions? Maybe anxiety leaves you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, making it hard to get through the day or enjoy the friendships, opportunities, and experiences you really want. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Therapy can help. Taking the step to reach out for support can feel intimidating, but it’s also one of the bravest choices you can make. I’m glad you’re here. Together, we can work on tools to quiet the constant overthinking, build confidence, and help you create the life and relationships you want most. In sessions, I offer you evidenced based tools, teach you new skill development and strategies so that you can get relief, gain confidence and manage anxiety more effectively. We'll create a plan that feels practical, empowering and personalized. My treatment approach utilizes Cognitive-Behavioral therapy and Compassion Mindfulness-based therapy. Cognitive Behavioral therapy is considered one of the most effective, and evidenced based treatments for anxiety. Reach out today for a 15-minute free consultation. I look forward to connecting with you and being a partner on your therapy journey.

You may appear to have everything together while quietly carrying stress, anxiety, burnout, academic pressure, or the weight of trying to meet everyone else’s expectations. College can feel overwhelming, isolating, and exhausting at times, especially when you are balancing school, relationships, work, and your own well-being. I provide a supportive, judgment-free space where college students and young adults can feel heard, gain clarity, and develop practical tools to navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and balance. As an LCSW, I take a client-centered and collaborative approach focused on empowerment, self-understanding, and creating meaningful, lasting change.

I currently have immediate openings for teletherapy and I also offer walk-and-talk sessions at the San Jose Rose Garden. I am licensed in both California and Texas. I have more than ten years of experience working with adolescents and young adults. I most frequently help my college-aged clients navigate the challenges of anxiety, depression, ADHD, executive dysfunction, giftedness, self-esteem and body image issues, relationships, grief, disordered eating, and trauma. I specialize in, and especially enjoy working with, ADHD, gifted persons, and college-aged young adults. As a private practice clinician since 2012, I take an affective, strengths based, approach to therapy. I practice cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems therapy, trauma-informed care, dialectical behavioral therapy, and mindfulness. I work with individuals and families, and I facilitate an LGBTQ+ inclusive group for college-aged young women and non-binary persons. My style of therapy is centered, relaxed, and collaborative. It is vital to my practice that clients know they are talking to a real human being, and my client-therapist relationships are built on mutual trust and safety. I believe that mental healthcare should be holistic. To get at the whole person, I like to explore the interplay between movement, nutrition, sleep, and time spent in nature. And because mental health impacts so much of our lives, I often advocate for my clients and help coordinate support with other academic and healthcare professionals. I strongly believe that mental healthcare should be accessible and easy to navigate for everyone. I welcome clients from all communities, backgrounds, and walks of life. Outside of my home office, I am an avid hiker and eater of takeout. I’m learning to surf, and my favorite part of every day is spending time with my sixteen-year-old wiener dog.

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.

Hi there! My name is Marisa and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 136357) based in San Diego, California. I offer individual mental health therapy to Young Adults and Teens virtually across California, specializing in work with those who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and trauma related to relationships and life transitions. Relationships can be complex. Whether you are looking for support with managing feelings about your family or romantic relationships, setting boundaries, addressing your people pleasing behaviors, or navigating new independence, I'm here to support! It is my hope that I can provide you with a safe space to be heard, navigate these emotions and challenges, and feel empowered both independently and within your relationships. My approach to therapy is an encouraging, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive approach blended with humor and creativity that ideally allows space for you to explore emotions, feel encouraged, and develop new insights. In my free time, I enjoy running along the beach at sunrise or sunset, having a cozy day in, spontaneous picnics in the park, and am currently on the hunt for the best matcha latte in San Diego! You're welcome to reach out for a free 15 minute call to see if we're a good fit. I look forward to hearing from you!

I specialize in working with trauma, addiction, and neurodivergence (ADHD/Autism). I am EMDR- trained to reprocess traumatic memories and limiting beliefs that are holding you back, and I'm trained to provide comprehensive ADHD/Autism assessments designed for assessing high-masking adults.

Hi There! I'm Monica. Sometimes life feels hard—even when everything looks fine on the outside. You might be dealing with anxiety, worry, stress, depression, loss, grief, or self-doubt and wondering how to find your way back to feeling like yourself again. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. I offer a safe, judgment-free space where you can talk openly, feel heard, and begin to make sense of what you’re experiencing. With over 30 years of counseling experience, I help clients learn practical coping skills, manage difficult emotions, navigate life transitions, and build confidence from the inside out. While I welcome anyone seeking support, my heart is in working with women, especially those facing challenging life transitions or feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves. Reaching out for counseling takes courage. If you’re ready to take that first step, I’d love to connect with you.

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.

I specialize in working with 1st and 2nd generation immigrants on issues such as anxiety, school stress, intergenerational trauma, and cultural identity issues. I tend to be very active and engaged in session with my clients and enjoy discussing practical tools that may be helpful. I want to learn how your unique environment and experiences have shaped who you are today and the challenges that may occur as a result. One of my passions is working with clients from bicultural backgrounds. Having navigated this landscape myself, I can really empathize with the journey. If you want to hear more about me and my work, please visit my website below to self-schedule a free consult.

Over the last decade, I have been dedicated to providing compassionate and empathetic mental health care and working in the communities to reduce mental health stigma. To support my patients and community, I have had many roles, including volunteering at domestic abuse shelters, speaking for mental health organizations, facilitating campus support groups, and working as a psychiatric registered nurse. As a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I will continue my passion for providing quality mental health care for my patients, ensuring every patient feels supported and heard. I center around collaboration and empowerment. What inspires me to work in the mental health field is witnessing the resilience of those I serve. Every day, I see individuals overcome challenges and rediscover hope through compassionate, personalized care. Their journeys remind me that mental health care is about more than treating symptoms—it’s about empowering people to reclaim their lives. I am driven by the opportunity to create safe, supportive environments where patients feel heard, valued, and inspired to achieve their full potential. This work not only fuels my passion but also reaffirms my commitment to making a positive, lasting impact in the lives of others. My approach centers around collaboration, empowering patients to actively participate in treatment plans that best suit their goals and lifestyles. There is no ‘one size fits all’; every patient has different symptoms, beliefs, and needs. Building a therapeutic alliance and fostering an environment of trust and empathy are essential in my practice, ensuring each patient feels supported and understood. In addition, I practice holistic care and look at all aspects of my patient’s life to help improve their quality of life. Finally, I am passionate about Trauma-Informed Care as trauma is a nearly universal experience and patients should all be treated with sensitivity and care.

I’m passionate about working with children and young adults, especially those who are queer, neurodivergent, and/or Asian American. College is a major life transition, and I'm here to help ease the stress and anxiety that tends to come with it! In our work together, I will draw on play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and traditional psychotherapy approaches to best fit your treatment needs and goals. I practice from a trauma-informed, anti-carceral framework where the most important thing is that you are your own expert. I hope to foster growth in emotional regulation, self-awareness, and self-esteem so you can express yourself freely and live as you want to be seen.

Monique is a CBT & solution focused therapist who believes therapy should be practical, honest and actually useful. She specializes in working with anxiety, depression & grief. She has a particular strength in supporting teenagers & adults through life transitions, emotional overwhelm & those ‘I know something needs to change’ moments. Her style is warm & collaborative-while still being direct & challenging when needed. Monique believes real growth happens when clients feel supported and gently pushed out of unhelpful patterns. Sessions are structured but flexible, with a strong focus on insight skill-building & real world application. Monique values transparency in the therapeutic process and where you don’t have to have it all figured out…we’ll start where you are.

I tailor treatment using the approach that best fits your needs, including using somatic awareness, EMDR, CBT and insight oriented approaches. I work with Individuals, women, new mothers, young families, parents and young children. My work is deeply attuned to family of origin challenges, existential anxieties and BIPOC challenges, recognizing the profound impact on individuals and families. By exploring the ways these issues and past traumas shape present-day experiences, I will support you in breaking free from unhelpful patterns to foster healing across generations.

Hello, my name is Stacy Udolph, LCSW. I specialize in helping individuals manage stress, navigate life transitions, strengthen relationships, process grief, and overcome the fears and self-doubt that can interfere with personal growth, success, and well-being. I have been working in college counseling for the past 12 years, supporting young adults as they adjust to college life, develop greater independence, and prepare for their future careers and professional lives. I understand that the transition to college can bring unique academic, social, and emotional challenges, and I enjoy helping students build the skills and confidence needed to thrive during this important stage of life. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California, where I received comprehensive training in mental health assessment and treatment, with a particular focus on understanding how patterns of thinking influence mood, behavior, and overall functioning. In addition, I have completed specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), grief counseling, and mindfulness-based approaches for anxiety and depression. With more than 26 years of combined experience as a therapist and educator, I recognize the importance of creating a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe exploring difficult emotions and personal challenges. My goal is to help students gain insight, develop practical coping strategies, and make meaningful changes that enhance their quality of life. Clients often appreciate my calm, collaborative approach and my focus on providing concrete tools and techniques that can be applied in everyday situations. I believe therapy should be both supportive and effective, helping you better understand yourself while building skills that promote resilience and long-term well-being. I look forward to partnering with you as you navigate life's challenges and work toward your personal and academic goals.

Everyone has a story. Do you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed by thoughts that bring fear, leading to a cycle of overthinking? Do you tend to be tough on yourself, which can result in feelings of sadness, loneliness, or isolation? Are there times in your relationships when you feel unheard, leaving you frustrated and unsure? Have you considered that things could get better? Just remember, you're not alone in this. There’s hope! Many people go through similar struggles with relationships, challenging thoughts, and a mix of emotions.

Witnessing my clients feel empowered to work towards meaningful change inspires me everyday. Asking for help is a difficult thing to do, especially when it comes to our mental health. My position allows me to support folks who’ve taken the first step (often for the first time) to focus on improving their coping skills, confidence, self-compassion, relationships, boundaries, and self-care. I aim to highlight strengths and utilize my client’s interests and passions to help facilitate positive changes. Supporting folks through life challenges, trauma, and grief is also an important part of my practice. Many of my clients are choosing therapy for the first time, and I am honored to be a part of their journey. One of the most important aspects of the therapeutic process is feeling heard and understood. By staying open, curious, collaborative, and compassionate, I hope to make the therapeutic process as welcoming as possible. It is important to me that all my clients feel safe and welcome in my (virtual) space. By creating an environment that is warm and authentic, I aim to develop trust so my clients feel comfortable bringing any topic to the table. My practice is supportive for folks who identify as neurodivergent, nerdy, LGBTQIA+, and people in non-monogamous relationship structures.

My goal is to help you develop healthier ways of thinking, feeling, and relating. My style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practice. I draw from interpersonal, cognitive-behavioral, and acceptance and commitment therapy approaches to create a space that feels safe, compassionate, and tailored to you. Together, we’ll work to understand your experiences, develop new coping strategies, strengthen your resilience, and help you move toward the life you want. I believe therapy works best when it’s a partnership—one where you feel seen, heard, and empowered.

Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or like something just isn’t right inside—even if you can’t explain why? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. I’m a trauma therapist who understands what it’s like to feel broken, lost, or stuck after going through tough experiences—whether that’s childhood trauma, bullying, abuse, or just the weight of everyday pressure and expectations. I’ve been there myself, and I know healing is absolutely possible. If you’re struggling with anxiety, anger, depression, PTSD, or even feeling disconnected from who you really are, I offer a safe space to unpack what’s going on—and begin to heal. I specialize in helping students like you who are trying to balance life, emotions, school, relationships, and maybe even past pain that hasn’t been fully processed yet. My approach is focused on helping you get results, not just vent. We’ll explore what matters to you—your values, goals, strengths—and figure out how to start building the life you want. I also offer energy healing and spiritual guidance if you’re open to deeper, more holistic support (but only if that resonates with you—this space is always about you, not my agenda). If you’re ready to feel supported, heard, and guided toward real change, I’m here. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to take that first step.

Hi! My name is Dr. Archita Birla (she/her), and I am a Queer, South Asian American psychologist providing therapy services in Redwood City & throughout CA! I have experience working with teenagers and adults with Autism & ADHD, who are People of Color, and are Queer/LGBTQIA+ with various presenting concerns (anxiety, self-esteem concerns, emotion dysregulation). Particularly, I am passionate about working with BIPOC & Neurodivergent clients navigating self-diagnosis, self-accommodation, perfectionism, and negative self-talk. My own lived experience combined with my professional training in DBT, ACT, Narrative, and Feminist/Multicultural Therapies allow me to support clients using a person-centered approach. I support individuals through challenges - promoting clarity, healing, and values-driven change. I offer a safe and encouraging environment, where you are the expert of your lived experience. My therapeutic style is guided by curiosity, authenticity, and warmth. I recognize the vulnerability of showing up in therapy and commend you for seeking support in this journey. I firmly believe in the importance of a therapeutic relationship, and look forward to getting to know each other to see if we are a good fit!