Therapists for college students near UCLA

Who I Work Best With: Most of my clients are people who've gotten really good at functioning — and really tired of it. You've probably figured out how to hold things together, stay busy, keep up. But something isn't working anymore. Maybe you're exhausted in a way you can't explain. Maybe you're finally asking questions you've been pushing down for years — about who you are, what you believe, how you want to love, or why your brain works the way it does. A lot of people I work with are navigating things like anxiety, depression, identity, relationships that don't fit a neat box, or a major life shift — faith deconstruction, a breakup, figuring out you're neurodivergent later in life. Some are just trying to get through the week without falling apart. If that's you, we'd probably work well together. What Working With Me Looks Like: I'm not going to sit quietly and just reflect things back at you. I'm also not the worksheet-and-homework type. My style is pretty collaborative and direct — I'll gently push back when I think it'll actually help, and I'll meet you where you are. I have 15 years of experience working with new parents and kids before becoming a therapist, which means I come in with a lot of real-world, people-first perspective. I also have personal experience with religious deconstruction — so if you're untangling a faith background or questioning things you were raised to believe, I genuinely get it, not just clinically. I work especially well with people who are neurodivergent, queer or questioning, in non-traditional relationships (like polyamory or ENM), or somewhere in the middle of a big life change. You don't have to have it figured out to reach out.

If you feel like you’ve been missing out on life due to your mental health, you don’t have to go through this alone. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, panic attacks, OCD, addictions, relationship or sexual issues, or the unique pressures of working in the entertainment industry, I’m here to help. My approach is compassionate, direct, and tailored to your needs—offering a space where you can explore challenges, build resilience, and move toward meaningful change. I specialize in working with young adults, professionals, and individuals seeking relief from overwhelming thoughts, addictive patterns, and life transitions. Together, we’ll identify what’s holding you back, develop effective coping strategies, and work toward a life that feels more balanced and fulfilling. Stress, self-doubt, and old patterns can make it hard to move forward, even when you know something needs to change. Having grown up as a professional child actress, I’ve experienced firsthand the pressures of performance, perfectionism, and identity—shaping my understanding of how early experiences can impact mental health. In therapy, we’ll focus on what’s actually getting in your way—not just surface-level fixes, but meaningful shifts that help you feel more grounded and in control of your life. If you’re looking for a space to figure things out without judgment, let’s talk.

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.

Hello, My name is Lisa Chester-Schyman and I'm an LMFT practicing in Los Angeles, California. I provide a safe and compassionate environment to support you in your life journey and its many challenges. Through our work together you will develop a deeper understanding of yourself, which will allow you to navigate your life with more ease, manage stress, change and transitions, and live a life filled with meaning. Together we will explore your true nature and I will support you to find more comfort in your life by teaching you tools to overcome obstacles to your emotional well-being. Our collaboration will allow you to move through the more challenging times in your life with a greater sense of ease. I work with adults, teens, and adolescents. I specialize in grief and loss, relational issues, transition and trauma. I believe the relationship between a client and therapist is essential in creating personal healing. I nurture a trusting relationship where you will feel safe to explore your thoughts and feelings without any judgment. From this safe place we will explore what coping mechanisms will best help you and I will help guide you through. I would love to help you on your journey especially during this very difficult time in life and the world. Looking forward to working with you.

Are you often feeling worried and anxious? Are you finding it hard to manage all of the responsibilities in life? Perhaps, you're feeling stuck or stagnant in life, and seeking purpose and direction. You’re not alone—and you deserve to feel peace, gratitude, and fulfillment in your relationships, your work, and your personal life. Change is possible. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, anger to navigating life transitions, identity formation, parenting and/or grief, I am here to walk with you and empower you to live in freedom. My goal is to help you reconnect—with yourself and with others. I lead with empathy, curiosity and compassion and take the time to understand who you are and the experiences that have shaped you in this world. I team with you to identify goals that fit your needs and equip you to live an empowered life that feels most authentically you. I have a heart for people and helping people live fuller, more connected lives is my passion. Therapy with me is a space where you can show up exactly as you are, feel truly heard, and take steps toward the life you’ve been longing for. Let’s take the first step together. Reach out for a free 15 minute consultation.

I value the opportunity to support individuals uncover their inner strength, heal from the past, and rediscover hope. I utilize a trauma-informed approach and I am passionate about supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from culturally and gender-diverse communities. I belief that everyone deserves to feel heard, understood, and supported as individuals navigate life’s challenges. Witnessing the resilience and growth of individuals as they overcome obstacles is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. I ensure individuals feel heard and understood by providing a supportive environment where one can openly share their experiences. I tailor my approach to each individual’s unique needs, drawing from evidence-based techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness and self-compassion. I work closely with individuals throughout your therapeutic journey, encouraging and empowering them to take an active role in your personal growth.

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.​

Navigating life’s challenges can leave you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about making difficult choices. If you seek to regain balance, find direction, build resiliency, make meaningful change, and find deep self-connection, then I'm glad you’re here. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20+ years of experience, I specialize in supporting BIPOC and Latinx individuals and families to overcome trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship and parenting struggles. I will guide you through the therapy process and support you in finding solutions, inner peace, and new connections within yourself and with others. My approach combines empathy, mindfulness, and somatic practices to support healing and growth. I am trauma-informed and incorporate mindfulness-based techniques, Brainspotting, Trauma Resiliency Model, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Together, we’ll strengthen your mind-body connection and empower you with tools to build resilience and thrive. Therapy is a space for authenticity, safety, and self-discovery. Together, we’ll explore challenges and create strategies to support your growth. If you’re ready to step into healing with warmth and compassion, I’m here to guide you. Let’s embark on this journey toward your empowered and grounded self. Let's connect!

People make the decision to engage in therapy for a multitude of reasons, all of which are valid. Some people may be ambivalent about making changes in their lives, while others might feel eager and ready to start the process. Regardless of where you find yourself on that continuum, I am here to support you. Although my background has mainly been focused around eating and body image, I see clients who are experiencing a variety of concerns: relationship issues, anxiety/depression, life transitions, unhappiness, etc. Prior to private practice, I worked with undergraduate and graduate students at Harvard University Counseling and Mental Health Service, with a specialty in supporting student-athletes and individuals with eating and body image concerns. I have also worked in psychiatric inpatient programs as well as eating disorder treatment programs. My therapeutic style is integrative, which means that our work together will draw on various approaches determined by your concerns and goals. My hope is for us to build a trusting relationship that will allow for honest reflection, helpful challenge, and ultimately positive change so that you may be able to lead a more fulfilling life.

My education, and both lived and serviced experiences have taught me the importance of being honest, open-minded, compassionate, patience, reliable, dependable, and helpful. The reactions, feedbacks, and rewards that I have received from my hard work have always made me want to continue to do what I have been doing. I want to be helpful to others and give a helping hand to others who need it. I care about other people’s feelings and like to help others to be safe, healthy and happy. With such characteristics, I realized that being a Marriage Family Therapist will give me the opportunity to contribute back to our community, assist those who may challenge with difficult challenges. My communication style is calm, accommodating, and personable. I want my clients to feel comfortable talking with me about anything, and I pride myself on my ability to listen without judgment. I will use active and reflective listening, empathetic dialogue, and validation to allow my clients to feel heard, respected, and supported. The first session will be a rapport building and information gathering session where I will engage my clients in a conversation on their current concerns and needs for obtaining therapy. I will work with clients collaboratively to complete the assessment which will consist of gathering information on their background, current symptoms, strengths, and if needed, safety planning, and creating therapeutic goals in moving forward. Individuals will have the opportunity to discuss what they would like to be working on, how successful therapy will look like for them, and the fitness of working relationships. At the end of each session, I will use Session Rating Scale (SRS) to gather my client’s feedbacks in 1-10 rating: 1) Ensure they feel herd, understood, , and respected; 2) They worked on talked about what they wanted to work on and talk about; 3) The therapist’s approach is a good fit for them; and 4) Overall, the session was right for them.

Erin Addams <mft.erin2@gmail.com> Fri, Jan 10, 5:35 PM to Leah With over 10 years of experience in mental health, Erin is dedicated to providing compassionate and insightful therapy to individuals, couples, and families. As a graduate of University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Erin combines evidence-based practices with a deeply empathetic approach to support clients on their journey towards mental wellness. Through humor and direct communication, Erin still manages to create a safe and nurturing space, empowering clients to explore their inner worlds, develop effective coping strategies, and foster meaningful connections. Erin specializes in anxiety, depression, relationship dynamics, and trauma, and she is passionate about helping clients build resilience and lead fulfilling lives.

We are a team of therapists dedicated to providing a safe and collaborative environment to help you achieve your therapeutic goals and facilitate meaningful change in your life. We strive to provide multiculturally sensitive care and we welcome working with people from many different backgrounds, systems, and beliefs. Your individuality is important to us and we will work with you to form goals that fit for you and your needs.

Hi, I’m Michelle. I’m a licensed therapist who works well with students who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to handle everything they’re carrying, whether that’s stress, relationship challenges, family pressure, or emotions that feel too big or confusing. My approach is calm, real, and collaborative. I help you understand what’s happening inside, make sense of patterns that no longer serve you, and build clarity and confidence in how you move through your life and relationships. You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Just come as you are, we’ll navigate it together.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I gladly provide support to students/young adults navigating college stressors while also exploring who they are, how their family has impacted them, their relationships with others, and where they want to go in life. We might explore things like anxiety, depression, emotion regulation, relationship health/skills, sexuality, spirituality, stress, trauma, racial identity, home/belonging - just to name a few areas. If you need support, please reach out for a free consultation!

My main inspiration for becoming a therapist is to help people, from all walks of life. I have been working in the fields of substance abuse and mental health since 2006, and specialize in treating clients with Co-Occurring Disorders. Prior to entering the MSW program at San Jose State University, I studied Sociology at UC Santa Cruz, and received my BA degree in 2005. I have a solid background in social theory, and I apply social theory as part of my clinical approach, thus enhancing the therapeutic process. I am continuously working towards my ongoing professional development to help my clients using cutting-edge techniques. Therapy is more than a career, it is a passion and it is my life’s work. My empathetic approach, in which I actively listen to clients and reflect their goals, values, and struggles, fosters understanding and clarity. If I were to summarize what it is like to work with me, I would say “collaborative.” am committed to collaborative relationships with clients to maximize their capacity for growth and their ability to become resilient-to the many speed bumps and potholes along life’s path.”

I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, a Lacanian Psychoanalyst, an EMDR therapist, and a Psychotraumatologist. I also have served as a founder and advisor of mental/health & software companies. Further, I am a health and trauma consultant to international organizations. I specialize in psychoanalysis and psychotherapy for young adults, adults, couples & families; PTSD, trauma, burnout & secondary stress; consultation to clinicians, teachers, executives & institutions. I authored manuscripts in the areas of child psychoanalysis, psychosomatic conditions, trauma & secondary stress & co-authored & implemented a Brief Lacanian Treatment Model & a "Lacanian Approach" model to the organization and its individuals. I have completed a postdoc fellowship @ Stanford Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS); completed psychoanalytic formation at the Lacan School of Psychoanalysis (LSP); conducted extensive research @ PTSD Research Program, SFVA/UCSF; was a consultant to the Brief Lacanian Analysis Project @ MMH; served as Adjunct Clinical Faculty @ CIIS & as Faculty & VP @ Lacan School of Psychoanalysis (LSP), & as a founder in Tech.

I'm Olivia Hanley, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in Ventura County, California. I completed my MSW at USC and have spent the last four years doing this work because I believe people deserve real, substantive support — not a one-size-fits-all approach. I specialize in maternal mental health (postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, and the identity shift that comes with motherhood), anxiety and trauma in teens and adults, and play-based therapy for children and adolescents. I work with clients across California via telehealth and am in-network with Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Cigna, and Carelon Behavioral Health. I tend to attract clients who are high-functioning but quietly struggling — moms who look like they have it together, teens who internalize everything, and adults who've been "fine" for a long time and are finally ready not to be. I'm direct, curious, and warm. I will challenge you — gently — when it's useful.

I specialize in working with women in California experiencing anxiety, depression, burnout, perfectionism, self-doubt, and difficulty adjusting to major life transitions. I especially enjoy working with graduate and professional students who are balancing demanding academic environments, relationships, and uncertainty about the future. My approach is warm, compassionate, and collaborative. I foucs on helping clients feel understood, develop greater self-trust, and build practical tools for navigating life's challenges. Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I help clients move toward a life that feels more aligned with their values, even when anixety, self-doubt, or difficult thoughts or emotions are present.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.