Therapists for college students near UCLA

Hello! I am an Asian-American therapist and I work with young adults dealing with anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, self-esteem, relationship difficulties, identity exploration, navigating adulthood, and intergenerational and multi-cultural experiences. If you’ve struggled with any of these, 1) you’re a human being, and 2) you’ve arrived at the right place. I am here to welcome you and all of your humanness! As a therapist, I can teach you the skills to navigate how to address these struggles. I want to create a safe space so that you can explore your life without worry of judgment. I aim to bring warmth and humor into the therapy room, as well as a deep commitment to getting to learn about you and work towards your life goals! You and I will be a team. You are the expert in your life, and I will act as a guide to help you on the path that you want to take towards healing. I want you to feel empowered to learn more about your inner workings so that you can take on the world!

You may be trying to figure out who you are and what you want to do, possibly for the first time. You are probably navigating big changes in relationships, whether that is making new friends, figuring out where you fit in, communicating with professors/advisors, or redefining relationships with family. It can be overwhelming. While this can be an incredibly stressful time, it is also full of possibility and growth. You don't have to figure it out alone - therapy can be a wonderful place where you can slow down and get the support you need and deserve. I absolutely love working with undergraduate and graduate students. Many people who work with me are navigating something invisible that makes them feel different - whether that is anxiety or depression, a chronic health condition, grief or trauma, relationship concerns, life transitions, or parts of your identity that may be unseen. I am especially passionate about working with artists/creatives, the LGBTQ+ community, and people who feel their emotions deeply. My style is empathetic, attentive, non-judgmental, and collaborative. I seek to create an affirming space where all parts of you that you wish to explore are welcomed. I bring careful listening and offer tools to help you feel more grounded, let go of unhelpful narratives, communicate effectively, and build better relationships with yourself and others.

I was drawn to becoming a therapist because I saw how meaningful it can be for people to have a safe, supportive space to talk openly and work through challenges. I really enjoy listening to others stories and helping them better understand themselves, their relationships, and their emotions so they can move toward positive change. I will work to make sure you feel heard and understood by really listening to you without judgement and taking your experiences seriously. I will reflect back what I am hearing to check that I’m understanding you accurately, and I will ask questions when I need more clarity rather than making assumptions. I also want you to know that your feedback matters, if at any point you feel misunderstood or something doesn’t sit right with you, I encourage you to tell me so we can adjust and make this space feel as safe and supportive as possible for you. Working together is very collaborative. We will move at a pace that feels comfortable for you, and we will focus on what matters most to you and what you would like to change or better understand about your life. Building trust takes time, and I see it as something we create together. I do that by being consistent, honest, respectful, and nonjudgmental, and by following through on what I say I will do. I will check in with you about how our work is going and invite your feedback so we can make sure this feels helpful and safe for you. My goal is for this to feel like a supportive partnership, where you can be open, ask questions, express concerns, and know that you are respected and taken seriously every step of the way.

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.

Early on, friends would often come to me for advice, and they told me I was a good listener. That made me curious about becoming a therapist. But once I started studying psychology, I realized therapy isn’t really about giving advice. It’s more about helping people explore their experiences, understand themselves better, and find their own solutions. Making sure you feel heard and understood is really important to me. One of the main ways I try to do that is by listening closely and reflecting back what I’m hearing, so we can check that I’m understanding you the way you intend. I’ll also ask questions to help clarify things and give you space to talk at your own pace. If at any point something I say doesn’t feel right or I misunderstand you, I really welcome you telling me so we can adjust together. My goal is for this to be a space where you feel comfortable sharing openly Building trust is really something that develops over time. My role is to create a space where you feel respected, not judged, and able to speak openly. I try to do that by listening carefully, being honest and consistent, and checking in with you about how our work together is feeling. If something isn’t working for you, we can talk about it and adjust. Therapy works best when it’s collaborative, so we’ll be figuring things out together. I really enjoy writing when I have the time and motivation for it. It’s something I’ve always found helps me think and reflect. Lately I’ve also been on a bit of a health kick—going on walks and taking some quiet time to myself. I’ve found it’s a really nice way to reset and clear my mind.

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.

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.

Avoid traffic & travel time with Video/Phone Telehealth sessions (I do not offer in person counseling). Do you enjoy learning about yourself, seeking joy, purpose and growth all while keeping a sense of humor about life and yourself even when facing challenges? Are you dealing with stress, anxiety, major life changes or adjustments (career, moving, marriage, separation, break-up or divorce), trauma or grief and loss? These have been my areas of specialty for 20+years. I also love working with those in the entertainment industry or in the helping professions (healthcare, mental health, caregivers, spiritual / coaches). Sound like you? I may be a fit! Time does not heal all wounds. But, what you do with your time can make a HUGE difference. Using grief, loss, CBT, and stress management techniques, together we can work on everything from individual support for children, teens or adults to couples or family counseling. I like seeing the results in my clients feeling happier, healthier and satisfied. Whether it's your first time in therapy or you have had experience in the past and life circumstances have led you back to searching for someone new, I hope I can help. I know from personal experience that weeding through all the therapists is a daunting task, and finding the best fit for you is essential. Note: I don't take insurance and provide paperwork for you to submit to any PPO for Out of Network Benefit reimbursement.

I became a therapist because I know how healing it can be to have someone really listen and be with you without judgment. We all go through hard things, and I believe no one should have to do it alone. I’m especially interested in how our bodies hold stress and emotions, and how we can gently reconnect to ourselves through awareness, creativity, and compassion. Being a therapist gives me the chance to support people in feeling more understood, empowered, and at home in themselves. I’ll listen closely to your words, your emotions, and what your body might be communicating even when it’s hard to put into words. I’ll check in often to make sure we’re going at your pace, and I’ll ask questions to understand your experience more fully, not to judge or fix you. My goal is for you to feel safe, respected, and truly seen. This is your space, and I’ll honor your story with care, curiosity, and compassion. I support individuals who want to reconnect with their bodies, find calm, and feel safe again after challenging experiences. My approach blends somatic psychotherapy, trauma-informed care, and creative healing. I help clients celebrate who they are and bring awareness to what matters to them. Together, we’ll focus on learning to listen to yourself, unlocking your inner voice, and creating a new chapter that feels authentic and empowering. I offer an inclusive, collaborative space where every part of you is welcomed. Healing isn’t about changing who you are — it’s about coming home to yourself.

Working in metal health for over a decade, I realized I would ask more questions about the person than I was trained to know what to do. I knew I wanted to help people more and decided to further my education to be able to do that. Clients need to feel heard and understood. I would initially ask how they would like to feel heard and understood. I would naturally reflect back on what clients have stated to ensure I heard their words correctly. I would also ask if I understood their words correctly to confirm. Working together is collaborative. Building trust looks like me asking questions to see the client’s experience and what support looks like to them. It is listening to their stories and hearing what the client would like to work on as far as goals and supporting them to do so.

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.

Hi there! Feeling overwhelmed by the whirlwind of transitions, anxieties, and "what ifs" that come with this exciting, yet sometimes challenging, chapter of life? You're not alone. I'm Ronna, an LCSW with 18+ years of experience supporting women like you through the ups and downs of adjusting to college life. From homesickness and relationship hiccups to career-path stress and future worries, I've seen it all, and I'm here to help you navigate it with confidence and clarity. ✨ My approach is all about you and your unique journey. We will work together to identify your strengths, understand your challenges, and develop personalized strategies for managing stress, enhancing interpersonal relationships, and making confident decisions about your future. My solution-focused style empowers you to identify practical coping skills and strategies that actually work, paving the way for the positive change you can see and feel. I offer a safe and supportive space where you can explore your experiences without judgment. I am here to be your guide, your cheerleader, and your partner in progress as you navigate towards a fulfilling college experience and a bright future. Remember, you've got this, and I'm here to help. Reach out today and let’s start building your brighter future together! My areas of expertise include: • Adjustment to college life • Stress management and anxiety reduction • Building healthy relationships • Managing academic pressures and career exploration • Fostering self-compassion and resilience

I am inspired by the resilience of the human spirit and the profound potential for growth and healing within everyone. Witnessing clients navigate challenges, uncover their strengths, and achieve breakthroughs is deeply fulfilling. The ability to make a meaningful impact by supporting individuals as they reclaim their lives and well-being drives my passion for this field. I’m also drawn to the ever-evolving nature of mental health care, where continuous learning and innovation allow me to grow alongside my clients. I prioritize creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves openly. Active listening is at the core of my practice—I strive to fully understand their experiences by reflecting, validating their emotions, and asking thoughtful questions. I also adapt my communication style to each client’s unique needs, ensuring they feel respected and seen. By fostering empathy and tailoring interventions to their individual stories, I make it clear that their voice and perspective are central to the therapeutic process. Trust is built through consistency, authenticity, and mutual respect. I show up as a genuine, compassionate presence, balancing professionalism with warmth and relatability. I also collaborate with clients, empowering them to take an active role in their therapy. By being transparent about the therapeutic process and celebrating their progress, I foster a sense of partnership. Over time, these elements come together to create a strong, trusting alliance that supports meaningful growth and healing.

A lot of the students I work with are used to being the “responsible one”—the one who gets things done, shows up, and keeps it all together. But underneath that, there’s often a lot of pressure, overthinking, and a quiet feeling of “am I actually doing this right?” You might replay conversations in your head, feel torn between what you want and what’s expected of you, or notice it’s hard to relax without feeling guilty. Relationships can feel confusing too—wanting to be close, but also not wanting to be too much or not enough. If you grew up balancing different worlds, cultures, or expectations, you might not even be sure what your voice sounds like yet. In our work together, we make space to sort through all of that—so you can feel more like yourself, trust your decisions, and stop living on autopilot.

Feeling lost, anxious, overwhelmed, depressed, alone? Figuring out how you feel, what you want, or who you are is just plain difficult, especially in the world we're living in now. Add to that a difficult personal history and doing 'well' can feel nearly impossible. You don't have to carry this all on your own. I became a therapist through my work in the arts and teaching meditation. I help clients develop a healthy inner life, relate to others deeply, and find meaning in their lives. My approach is relational, psychodynamic, Buddhist-based, and creative. My specialties include relationship issues, life transitions, grief, anxiety, depression, and existential dilemmas. I work with individual adults, couples, and facilitate interpersonal process groups. If you’re struggling with relationship issues: connecting with yourself or with others, experiencing grief, anxiety, or depression, or suffering through an existential dilemma, please reach out.

I am an LGBTQIA+ Affirmative psychotherapist who helps people with anxiety, stress, life adjustments, and other issues. Please reach out to me. My website is: https://www.patricktullytherapy.com

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.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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.

I understand that it can be nerve-racking to begin this process, and I commend you for taking your first steps in starting therapy! I'm a licensed therapist and I have been working in the field for over 20 years. I specialize in working with adults and teens, ages 15 and up. I am here to help you develop tools to cope, feel empowered and supported. Together, we can work towards improving your sleep, feeling less worried and anxious, improve self-esteem, and have healthier friendships and relationships. I utilize evidenced-based and strength-based interventions, including teaching mindfulness, that help people struggling with life adjustments, and issues such as women's health, school and work stress, anxiety, depression, and racial identity (such as helping multiracial people navigate stressors). While therapy can be challenging, we can still enjoy ourselves and even laugh in a safe and supportive space. I look forward to meeting you!