Therapists for college students near UCLA

We often feel trapped by our circumstances, voiceless in our relationships and powerless to cause significant change in our lives. But whether you are seeking individual, couples, or group therapy, you have taken a leap into the process of healing. With curiosity and a fresh perspective, I aim to empower you to reclaim your voice, work towards the change you seek, and to meet your authentic self. Though you have already taken the first step, I hope to foster the healing process even further by providing a deeply caring, non-judgmental atmosphere. It has been important for me to work with a wide breadth of clients. I have experience with diverse age groups, races, gender identities, and sexual orientations, and have worked in community mental health, residential treatment, school settings, and private practice. If you are are seeking a space to explore feelings connected to lack of motivation, avoidance, anxiety, low self-esteem, difficulty in platonic and romantic relationships, and feeling burnout from your current way of moving through the world, know that there is hope of having a different experience of yourself, your relationships and the world around you. Within working with a wide breath of clients, I have a passion for men’s mental health and working with young men and the issues that come up in their lives today. Through it all, however, my approach has always been focused on the human in front of me, and in meeting them where they are. I work with my individuals, couples and groups to help you gain a better understanding of yourself and your relationships. With a psychodynamic lens and a belief that as a species we all have the need to connect, I look forward to hearing from you to see how we may feel about working together.

Hey! I’m Afshin — pronounced “of-sheen,” like the glimmer in your eye when you realize you're allowed to feel your feelings and still be funny about it. Looking for someone who’s real, queer, neurodivergent-friendly, and actually shows up in the room with you? I’m really glad you’re here. I work with new parents running on crumbs and caffeine, teens navigating identity and pressure, young adults facing messy transitions, and LGBTQIA+ folks tired of translating their experience for people who just don’t get it. I pull from Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic, DBT, CBT, and Solution-Focused approaches — but mostly, I bring curiosity, honesty, humor, and a human-first vibe. I don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” healing. Some weeks we’re untangling trauma; other weeks, we’re celebrating tiny wins — like eating a real meal or setting a boundary without the shame. My core values? Radical kindness, transparency, and the belief that being “too much” is a damn superpower. If you’re craving therapy that feels like a mix between a grounding conversation and a gentle push toward who you actually want to be — let’s talk. I’m here when you’re ready.

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Great to meet you! As a therapist, I believe that healing begins with understanding the full context of who we are—our cultures, identities, and lived experiences. I approach therapy through an intersectional and culturally responsive lens, recognizing how overlapping identities shape our challenges and strengths. In my work, I take a collaborative approach, partnering with clients and their support systems to foster meaningful and sustainable growth. My goal is to create an environment of trust, safety, and comfort, where you feel seen and supported as you explore your personal goals. Show more A bit about my approach to therapy My practice is grounded in evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), attachment theory, and somatic strategies that integrate mind and body awareness. I work with individuals navigating life stage transitions across the lifespan, helping them adapt, heal, and thrive through periods of change. What you can expect from our first session In our first meeting we will spend some time getting to know one another. After I've begun gaining an understanding of your goals and reasons for coming to therapy, we will work together to create a plan for how to approach those goals. We will define and refine them together, until you have a clear idea of what comes next! I am always open to feedback and collaboration, so I try to keep this process dynamic. Nothing is set in stone. We will work together to try to get you where you want to be.

College can feel overwhelming — even when you “look” like you’re handling it. I work with students who struggle with anxiety, overthinking, people-pleasing, relationship stress, academic pressure, and big identity questions. You might find yourself comparing, replaying conversations at night, or feeling disconnected from who you used to be. I also specialize in perinatal mental health and support young women navigating fertility stress, pregnancy, postpartum changes, and major life transitions. In therapy, you don’t have to have it all figured out. We’ll slow things down, understand your patterns, and help you feel more grounded and confident in yourself. I offer virtual therapy for students across California.

My approach to therapy is rooted in a belief that change is possible. Most of my clients come to me because something in their lives isn't working. Whether the problem is familial, romantic, professional, emotional, or even existential, I find it usually comes down to a matter of relationship. How are we relating to the things that cause us to suffer? When we understand these relationships and the parts we play in them, we are free to make different choices, and to experience our lives, ourselves, and our loves in richer, more fulfilling ways. While I see clients with a wide range of presenting issues, I have a high level of expertise in family conflict, childhood trauma, addiction, codependency and eating disorders. I also have a passion for helping artists of all kinds to overcome the self-limiting beliefs that lead to creative blocks. I have additional training in EMDR (an evidence based model for trauma therapy), mindfulness practice, and family systems, and I hold an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University.

Growth and Change Counseling is a relationships oriented counseling practice that is passionate about helping people develop the relational intelligence to step out of their anxiety, depression, and addiction and to experience wholeness in their relationships and satisfaction in their life. All of our problems root back to the breakdown in our relationships and the of relational intelligence due to or the lack of relational intelligence (ex. Autism Spectrum Disorder). At the core of our being we all yearn to connect and at the center of our lives is the need for . Anxious, addicted, depressed people isolate because they are pulling away from relationship in pain. When you come to Growth and Change Counseling, we will help you learn to apply and integrate the healthy relationship principles that will empower you to thrive in your relationships (parent-child, couples, partners, friends, etc.). We treat everything. We are not afraid of your problems, and we will get in the trenches with you to help you Grow and Change!

Genesis (Gene) Vasconez is a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in mental health care. She aims to improve the health and wellness of her patients by partnering with them and their care teams. She addresses challenges related to mental health disorders, including addiction, by following a trauma-informed model. She approaches each session to foster trust by listening to her patients and ensuring they have a choice and voice. Cultural humility, acceptance, safety, and compassion are at the core of her care. Gene received her bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry from San Francisco State University and her nursing and master’s degree from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). She has been a part of multiple research studies focusing on addiction, psychotic disorders, suicide, and depression. She also teaches nurse practitioner students at UCSF during their community internship. Clinically she has experience in setting such as psychiatric emergency/urgent care, community clinics, and private practices. Gene is a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, American Nurses Association, and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. She also serves as a San Francisco Behavioral Health Commission commissioner.

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Being a young adult can feel overwhelming—caught between who you’ve been and who you’re becoming. Whether you're facing anxiety, trauma, depression, relationship challenges, or questions about identity and purpose, therapy can help you find clarity and direction. As a licensed trauma specialist, I support young adults through the emotional and physical impact of trauma, including childhood wounds, PTSD, cultural and generational pain, and the stress of modern life. With advanced training in EMDR, CBT, DBT, and psychodynamic therapy, I tailor sessions to your pace and goals—balancing practical tools with deeper self-exploration. This is a space to untangle limiting beliefs, regulate emotions, and reconnect with your sense of self—so you can move forward with confidence, choice, and inner stability.

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Are you troubled by anxiety, depression, or persistent disturbing thoughts? As if you unable to break free of stress and frustration? You can feel better and do better. Talking to a therapist can help. You can develop confidence and learn how to change your thoughts, manage your feelings and start becoming the person you are meant to be. Allow your suffering to be a catalyst for transformation and give yourself the opportunity to become the happiest person you know! Your life changes when you open yourself up to love, transformation and the present moment. With compassion, spiritual awareness and mindfulness based cognitive behavioral principles as part of my tool kit, I can show you how to apply various skills, strategies and solutions to create long lasting change. My style is gentle, direct, and provides a safe place to guide you in this process as we are all in this together. If you're unsure about starting, give me a call and we can talk about what you need, get some questions answered and find out how I can help - therapy is a means to transform your life. Visit my website www.coach4miracles.com to learn more. No matter what the circumstances, I am confident that I can help!

Dr. Kavita Ajmere is a Clinical Psychologist in Los Angeles, CA. As the former Director of Counseling Services at Harvard Westlake school, she works with students from a wide range of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Dr. Ajmere is especially interested in young adults and health related concerns; specifically, depression, anxiety and sleep. As a certified yoga instructor she has a deep appreciation for understanding the mind-body connection. In addition to her clinical practice she is an adjunct professor at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles. Studying under Mark A. Reinecke, Ph.D., ABPP, ACT, Professor & Chief of the Division of Psychology, Northwestern University, Dr. Ajmere completed a year-long course on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy— a program that focuses on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Children, Adolescents, & Families. She has also completed a CBT program for the treatment of anxiety disorders with Dr. Patrick McGrath, Director of Alexian Brothers Center for Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders. As humans, we are complex, interesting, and deep. I believe in the powerful connection between our inner world and our mental health. My style is eclectic and inclusive. I present the best tools and techniques in the fields of psychology and personal growth that are most relevant and produce results. These include coaching and counseling models, cognitive approaches, body centered practices, spiritual psychology and, positive psychology.

Alfreda is dedicated to providing the evidence-based care that patients deserve, and she desires to establish long-lasting relationships with clients. She is a dual-certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

If your life had a resumé, “chameleon” would be at the top. You’re so good at figuring out others’ needs, they’d never suspect that you have them too. If you were honest with yourself, though, you’d admit how stressful it is to live for other people. You’re terrified you’ll lose relationships if you speak up or say no. Your energy is drained or you feel resentful. You’re exhausted from wondering if others like you or approve of you. If you make choices that disappoint others, you feel guilty and selfish. Your whole identity is about pleasing others, & you want to feel comfortable being your authentic self, but you have no idea how. If this sounds like you, I’ve got you! We’ll shift your story so you'll see your sensitivity to others as a strength. You’ll be a boundaries badass who feels confident with your decisions. You’ll take your perfectionism head on and feel able to live in the present. And you’ll have action steps that feel good, because they’re finally in line with YOUR goals. I specialize in treating Highly Sensitive People and recovering perfectionists & people-pleasers. I see clients online through a convenient video platform, so that therapy can work seamlessly with your busy life. Contact me for a free 20-minute consultation to determine if I’m the right therapist for you! I look forward to speaking with you!

Hello! I am a trauma-informed therapist serving clients in California & Colorado. I have over 10 years of experience working with young adults and their families. I specialize in dating/relationship issues, anxiety, depression & trauma related to childhood/family of origin. I am trained in EMDR and CBT.

College can be an exciting time, but it can also feel overwhelming, confusing, and really hard to navigate. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, relationship struggles, big life decisions, or just feeling unsure of who you are and where you’re headed—you don’t have to figure it out alone. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I specialize in working with college students and young adults who are in this exact stage of life. My approach is supportive, practical, and focused on helping you build the confidence and clarity you need to move forward. I’m here to offer a space where you can talk openly, feel heard, and start making changes that actually help you feel better.

As a young therapist, I bring both professional expertise and personal insight into the intricate dynamics of college life. Having navigated the complexities of college myself, I comprehend the intricate tapestry of pressures, relationship dynamics, substance use concerns, and the myriad challenges that accompany this transformative period. I'm not just a therapist; I'm a compassionate guide committed to your well-being. I’ve been through the complexities of college life and I understand the pressures, relationship dynamics, potential substance use concerns and the different challenges that come with this transformative period in your life. From the outside looking in, parents don’t always understand the challenges that come with college life, and I want to be that supportive other to help you get through it. Therapy is a sacred space and my focus is helping you get to the root cause of your struggles. I find that healthy relationships are the key for psychological, physical, and spiritual health. I provide awareness into your behaviors, and the ability to see the underlying issues of why you're unsatisfied with your life. If you're having difficulty regulating your emotions when it comes to romantic relationships, or feel that you find yourself in the same relationship again and again, then you have come to the right place. I will help you get to the core of these issues, and find yourself content with your personal relationships. I create space and offer insight into your behaviors, and together, will teach you about repetition compulsion. You will feel that you have control of your emotions, over codependency, and be free of addictive behaviors. You can heal. I am not the type of therapist that will sit back and just listen, I truly want to help you turn over your pain and be free. I offer a strong, empathetic approach, and teach my clients how to feel confident within themselves. You will receive guidance from me. We will be engaging in dialogue. I am direct but compassionate, and want to teach you how to be direct and vulnerable too. You will leave each session gaining insight into your behaviors. You will challenged and supported.

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Hi! I am a MFT licensed in California. I enjoy working with adolescents and young adults. My specialities are stress and depression management. I am someone that will confront you on the things you do not see (or may not want to see). I will teach you how to manage stress. I will teach you how to live with depression. I advocate for you and I PUSH YOU. If we do not end up being a good fit, I will refer you. All sessions are virtual or over the phone! Accepting clients in CA only. Availability: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays mornings and midday. IMPORTANT: I can only work with you if you create a profile on growtherapy.com. This is where I will bill for sessions. Please confirm I accept your insurance.