Therapists for college students near University of Southern California

As a professional counselor and family therapist who's spent the better part of the past decade helping teens and adolescents navigate the transition to college and the beginnings of their young adult lives, as well as helping international students acclimate to their new environment, I'm here to let you know that ... Despite what anyone tells you, you don't need to have it all figured out. What many people don't want to admit or face is that life is a continuous process of growth and change. However, once you realize and embrace that fact, everything else becomes much easier, more rewarding, and fun. This is what counseling for college students and young adults is all about: learning to embrace change, discover who you really are, and create the relationships and life you desire and deserve. My job as a psychotherapist is to help you explore your values and beliefs and align your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with who you really are, so you can let go of any unnecessary tension, cope with and move past anxiety and depression, communicate more effectively with others, and live a more authentic and joyous life. And it doesn't have to take a long time. You don't need to be in therapy until you're middle-aged! You decide on your goals for our work together, and we'll figure out the most effective and efficient ways of achieving them. If you're ready to embrace this time in your life, discover your personal power and feel confident and comfortable making big decisions, enjoy exploring all of the possibilities for the future, and make sure you’re on the right path for you, I encourage you to contact me today.

I am a licensed psychologist and certified Hendricks Big Leap Coach. One of my specialties is working with both young adults and adults, providing care for individuals struggling with self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. In addition, I work with people who are struggling with career, academic, and sports related issue, and who want to gain clarity on next steps and or enhance their performance and well-being. I have extensive experience with somatic (whole body), client centered, and cognitive-behavioral (CBT) techniques, and have been a licensed psychologist since 2009. My treatment approach is rooted in both evidence-based practices as well as whole-body education and coaching. My academic path has included attending community college before transferring to UC Santa Barbara, where I obtained a B.A. in Biological Sciences. I then earned a M.A. is Transpersonal Psychology and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology (now Sofia University). Additionally, I earned a Big Leap Coaching Certificate and completed the Leadership and Training program at the Hendricks Institute. I completed by pre-doctoral internship at Santa Clara University’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) Center providing counseling services to college students. After completing my post-doctoral residency at Kaiser Permanente, I worked at a large hospital setting for 5 years where I became EMDR certified which has become a crucial part of his practice and my clients’ success and progress. In addition, I became certified in body-mind coaching, and this also has become an important part of my practice and facilitating personal and professional growth for his clients. My main goals for my patients include reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving overall well-being, and promoting personal growth and resilience. I believe that if my clients are committed to solving their primary issue, concern or potential, then they can overcome any obstacle. I have an unique view and experience with client-centered and somatic psychology that results in long-lasting behavioral changes, improved self-esteem, and enhanced well-being. I have excelled in my practice because I am passionate about helping (with their permission of course) my clients achieve their goals by providing a safe and non-judgmental space for them to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I enjoy spending time with my children and wife. I’m also an avid outdoor enthusiast, enjoy watching baseball games, and traveling and exploring different cultures. I am inspired by the resilience and strength of my clients and want to assist in empowering them to reach their full potential.

My Background Hello and welcome! I have been helping people heal and live more fulfilling lives for over 20 years. I am just as passionate today as I was when I first began. My formal training began while studying psychology at UC Berkeley where I became interested in learning about the mind, human behavior and emotions, personality and developmental psychology. For several years after undergrad, I helped people with developmental disabilities by providing them with vocational, recreational and social opportunities so they can live their best lives. I later received my Masters in Clinical Social Work from Boston College where I dove deep into understanding human behavior in the context of environment. My post-masters work involved coaching parents on helping their children with autism and behavioral issues express their needs in safe and effective ways; managing a substance use helpline and providing crisis intervention and family therapy for people who were hospitalized due to severe and acute mental health issues. For three years, I provided group, family and individual therapies to clients at an Intensive Out Patient program in a bay-area hospital, teaching mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness skills. My Journey Growing up I was never taught how to appropriately identify and express my feelings or process pain. This caused me to direct any pain I experienced either inward towards myself or outward towards others. This resulted in hurtful and angry outbursts towards those I love or turning inward and experiencing numbness, anxiety, depression and shame. In my own therapy, I came to discover the power of changing the relationship I had with my emotions. I explored past wounds and destructive patterns and as a result, have experienced deep healing and changes that have significantly improved the quality of my life and have allowed me to experience more intimacy, happiness, deeper fulfillment and peace in all areas of my life. The work I have done in therapy has also had a powerful impact on my ability to serve my clients. My Approach I am compassionate, caring, and non judgmental. My clients have told me they appreciate my authenticity, kindness and creativity. I create a safe environment allowing people to feel comfortable discussing even the most sensitive issues. Clients also feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings on my approach to their therapy. This has lead to an open dialogue encouraging meaningful conversations, improving both the therapeutic relationship and outcomes for my clients. About Me A California native, I love spending time in nature, hiking, singing and recording songs, playing guitar, yoga, meditation, reading, traveling and spending time with friends and family. I also enjoy writing and reading about spirituality, psychology and personal development. I currently live in the San Francisco Bay Area.

I have over 35 years experience as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I offer compassionate, competent, and convenient therapeutic services to individuals, couples and families. The counseling I do tends to be shorter than most "traditional" therapy and is solution-focused in which we work on your goals and how to make changes in your life now. As with most counseling, the past is important, but I tend to help you work on how you can make your situation better today and in the future rather than spending many years re-examining the past. Issues clients typically bring in include stress, career/school issues, transitions, self-esteem, addictions, identity issues, relationship concerns, ACA/co-dependency and family issues. Besides my counseling practice, I have been an Adjunct Professor of Family Psychology at a local graduate school and run workshops for psychotherapists throughout the year. Please feel free to call me at 510/527-4011, or e-mail me, if you have any questions about my work or your particular needs. My website, www.franwickner.com , also has more information.

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Navigating this world as a woman of color provides me with insight of a wide range of life experiences such as difficulty with change, inequalities, traumas, toxic relationships, workplace exploitation, managing a society that values binary labels and much more. Seeking therapy can be complex and multi-layered, so finding a therapist you connect with is essential. I believe in a working partnership with clients and strive to utilize client strengths to help with each intervention. Rather than work from any one theoretical orientation, I create interventions to match the specific needs of each unique individual, based on my years of accumulated knowledge and experience. The range of evidence based therapeutic modalities I utilize to help achieve goals include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, EMDR, motivational interviewing, solution-focused, narrative, and psychoeducation. Allow me to join your journey of individual or group healing!

Welcome! My name is Hannah (she/her/hers). I’m an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. My passion lies in fostering healing and resilience, particularly for survivors of childhood abuse, sexual assault, abusive relationships, mass violence, religious trauma and other traumatic experiences. I also work with clients struggling with attachment issues and mood disorders. For couples, I offer emotion-focused and psychodynamic couples therapy. I have extensive experience providing therapy to individuals and couples. I base my work in Psychodynamic Therapy and Existential-Humanistic Therapy. I also use Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure and Schema Therapy. I am currently training in EMDR and Hypnotherapy. I aim to provide comprehensive support tailored to each individual’s needs. At the core of my approach is a commitment to understanding each client’s unique experiences and worldviews, shaping a therapeutic journey that cultivates authenticity, meaning, and growth. It’s truly an honor to walk alongside clients on their path to healing.

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist that has experience with ages 17-60+. The issues I work well with are anxiety, depression, substance use, college and academic related issues, and relationship and familial issues. I am a direct, hollistic, and empowering therapist, that understands and empathizes at my core. I offer Virtual Telehealth sessions only. I accept insurances that are listed on my profile. I also accept out of pocket payments, which in this case, would be disclosed before the start of first session.

I was inspired to become a therapist through my own therapeutic journey. Experiencing firsthand how powerful therapy can be in fostering growth and resilience motivated me to create that same space for others. While all our journeys are unique, we can relate to each other through shared emotions. I seek to create a safe space where people feel heard, seen and valued, a supportive and healing space, a space where your journey can be heard not with judgment, but with compassion. Building a strong and trusting relationship is a priority. I do this by actively listening without judgment, validating feelings, and taking the time to understand unique experiences and perspectives. I also encourage open communication, inviting feedback to ensure you feel your voice is valued throughout our work together. My goal is to walk alongside you in your journey, meeting you with empathy, compassion, and respect every step of the way. Working collaboratively to explore your thoughts and challenges creates a trusting and supportive environment where you can feel comfortable being your authentic self. Building trust and a strong therapeutic alliance is a gradual process rooted in open communication and mutual respect. In sessions, I will take the time to get to know you, understanding your goals, values, beliefs, your unique self. We will work together at your pace, adjusting approaches based on what you feel is helpful and supportive. Your communication and feedback will strengthen the collaborative process and empower your role in the therapeutic journey.

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Hello. I’m Jonathan Oh, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in Fullerton, California. Everyone has their own story and journey full of ups and downs, it would be my honor to come along beside you and provide a safe space to process and explore together. My therapeutic approach is based in Attachment and Psychodynamic theories. I believe that our experiences in life play a pivotal role in how we approach what is in front of us. Through the exploration of our past and the relationships in our past, we can gain a fuller understanding of the root causes of our pain. I enjoy doing the slow, long work of uncovering the root of the issue. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, shame, relational issues, multicultural issues, pornography addiction, life-stage transitions, as well as spiritual issues. To clients who are interested, I am able to integrate spirituality in the therapeutic work.

Hi there, I'm Alison. Are you finding that you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed and in need of a lifejacket? Sometimes life can be very challenging, and I can offer guidance, compassion, and understanding without judgment. I work with others to help them discover their hidden strengths and resources, to truly create a life worth living. Whether you're dealing with depression, anxiety, relational issues, addiction, and stressors that make you feel overwhelmed, I am here to help! Seeking therapy can feel scary but you're making the right choice. I believe in creating a safe space that will allow you to heal and grow. Many of my clients are trauma survivors, adolescents, LGBTQIA+, and creative adults who seek deeper connection and meaning in their lives. Let's work together to help you find more balance and fulfillment! Our first session includes establishing a therapeutic alliance based on trust and safety and establishing some treatment goals that fit your needs. I utilize a variety of evidence-based modalities that are tailored specifically to your symptoms to help you feel better and feel a sense of renewed hope. I specialize in helping people learn ways to cope more effectively with their emotions and find ways to better self-regulate when feeling life stressors. I also have over 10 years in the field of Addiction Medicine and can help those in need of support in becoming sober or maintaining sobriety.

I use a somatic (body-based) approach through which we enter into our inner landscape through the body rather than just through the mind. We uncover patterns and ways of being which may be stuck and not moving, and we build our capacity to move with them or out of them. There is no fixed diagnosis or “fix” here, there is movement toward a fuller expression of you within your own life experience. In addition to my lived and learned experience, what I offer to you as a client is this: an invitation to try on moving more fully with your own lived experience (trauma and pain, joy and celebration, mental health/ illness, intersectional identities, and oppressive systems) in your own body, at your pace, and with choice points.

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Hello! Are you feeling distracted, overwhelmed, easily triggered, lacking motivation, or struggling in relationships? Are you ready for change but unsure where to start? You are not alone, and I am here to support and guide you. My goal is to help you develop effective coping strategies and reclaim your life.

I believe that we have within us, the power to create the life we desire. We possess inner strengths and skills that can help us overcome challenges and live a fulfilled life. However, accessing this power can be an overwhelming task that may require support. Allow me to be an unbiased, compassionate and caring partner in your journey. I help individuals and couples explore their thoughts and emotions, reframe distorted beliefs, replace unhealthy patterns and unblock past traumas. I use elements of CBT, Motivational Interviewing, DBT, Parts Work, Brainspotting, Prepare/Enrich and other modalities to help you achieve your goals. I have over 10 years of experience working with various populations, in various settings, like working with college students at CAPS, working with young professionals, current/former foster youth, formerly incarcerated individuals, couples and other adults. I help clients unlock their true potential and work through issues of low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, trauma, difficult life transitions, relationship issues and more. Ready? Let the healing begin! In addition to my private practice, I work with Octave Behavioral Health. At Octave, I am in-network with Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, and Health Net / MHN commercial insurance plans. If you have coverage under one of these plans, please visit findoctave.com to schedule an appointment.

Are you someone who feels like they’re always “on”? Your mind rarely rests; constantly replays moments, worries about what’s next, or wondering if you're doing enough? For some, this shows up as anxiety and overthinking that keeps them feeling disconnected from themselves. For others, it’s the exhaustion that comes with work, school, parenting — wanting to be patient and present, but feeling triggered or stretched too thin. Underneath it all, you desire to feel calm and grounded. You want to understand why you react the way you do, how your past experiences influence your emotions today, and how to begin responding differently. My work helps you move from self-criticism to self-understanding, and from constant reactivity to clarity and connection — within yourself and your relationships. I create a space that feels safe, supportive, and curious — one where you can learn to regulate your nervous system, reconnect to your needs, and build a sense of trust in yourself.

The students I work best with are often going through big changes in life that feel overwhelming—like starting at a new school, dealing with pressure at home, or feeling unsure about friendships. Many of them feel anxious, stressed, or sad, and sometimes find it hard to talk about what’s really going on. They usually want a safe space where they can share their thoughts without being judged, and where someone really listens and helps them make sense of their feelings. Some of my students want support with building confidence, finding healthy ways to cope, or learning how to manage tough emotions when they show up at school, at home, or with friends. If you’ve ever felt like no one really understands what you’re going through, or like you have to hide how you feel, then you’re the kind of student I can support. Together, we’ll work on helping you feel more comfortable in your own skin and finding strategies that actually fit your life.

Many young adults—especially first-generation individuals—carry a quiet mix of anxiety, pressure, and unresolved family wounds. You might be navigating cultural expectations, managing everyone’s needs, or trying to break patterns that have been passed down for generations. If you feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward, you’re not alone. I integrate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavior Therapy CBT, attachment-focused work, and culturally affirming practices. As a first-gen, bilingual therapist myself, I understand the pressure of holding multiple worlds at once. My approach is grounded in cultural nuance, deep compassion, and a commitment to creating a space where you don’t have to translate your experience—you can simply be you.

You matter! Practical Tools on How to Survive and excel in College! Brief-Solution Focused Therapy to Turn your Life into a Success Story! You can be happy in spite of everything! How to live a long and healthy life. Therapy Reminds us how Brave we are. Licensed for 30 years, I can show you highly effective practical communication tools so you can experience joy, let go of anger and hurt and the disappointment that so often can get in the way of loving relationships. You will find a new level of confidence which will allow you to experience more joy and more happiness in your most important and sometimes confounding relationships. My therapeutic approach will help you overcome day-to-day anxiety, and defeat negative thoughts that too often lead to depression. If you struggle with problems in relationships or within yourself, with addiction, compulsion, or worry, dread and fear, you can call me.