Therapists for college students near Los Angeles, CA

Many struggle with anxiety and depression, and this is not uncommon. Whether it be nervousness, sadness, relational difficulties, or feeling like we aren't where we are "supposed to be" in life, there are many obstacles that cause us to feel "stuck." My job as a therapist is to help you get "unstuck" by aiding you in better understanding the underlying factors contributing to these difficulties, many of which are often rooted in thinking habits and relational patterns. My primary focus is on anxiety and depression, and how the combination of unhealthy thinking and unhealthy relational patterns cause us to feel anxious and depressed. I have additional training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) both of which are approaches proven to assist with anxiety and depression. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on the connection between how we think and our mood, and Interpersonal Therapy focuses on the connection between how we relate to others and our mood. I understand that you are busy, and therefore offer early morning and evening hours, and I am also available through telehealth. Many find telehealth convenient, as you can be anywhere in the state, and we can still meet.

I specialize working with trans, queer, bisexual, lesbian, questioning, and gay people of color (Black, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander, Latino/a/x/e, Multiracial/Biracial), providing gender- and queer-affirming care. I can provide letters of support for gender-affirming surgery. I work well with folks who are self-aware but sometimes "to a fault." You find feelings hard but really want to work on "feel the feelings!" You are willing to take risks and be real when something is hard. You want a change but feel stuck, and are down to try both new and old things. You want to be a better person/friend/partner/coworker/child/etc. My approach is integrative, relationship-oriented, and social-justice informed. I adapt my evidence-based methods to your needs. We build a supportive therapeutic relationship that helps you heal and grow. In each session, we focus on what matters to you, with consideration of how your environment, relationships, and social realities affect your wellbeing. I know how hard it can be to feel stuck in a cycle of criticism with yourself and others. You may wonder why you can’t seem to change the things that bother you or improve your relationships. I believe that you can find ways to accept what you can’t control, and to change what you can. I would be honored to support you on this journey of growth and healing.

mindfulSF supports students, teens, young adults, couples, and professionals in building resilience, navigating life transitions, and strengthening their mental well-being so they can thrive academically, professionally, and personally. We offer individual therapy and couples counseling both in person and online throughout California. Our clinicians use evidence-based treatment approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, and Self-Compassion practices. Our areas of focus include OCD, ADHD, autism, generalized and social anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, body-focused repetitive behaviors, depression, trauma, life and work stress, and parenting and postpartum concerns. We are a queer woman–owned practice committed to providing culturally responsive, inclusive care, with a special dedication to serving BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals. We embrace and celebrate multicultural diversity and intersectional identities, and strive to create a space where clients feel respected, affirmed, and understood. mindfulSF is a private pay practice with session fees beginning at $200, varying by clinician. If mindfulSF sounds like it may be a good fit, we invite you to visit our website to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with our intake coordinator to learn more about our services. You can also learn more about our therapists at mindfulSF.com.

I was inspired to become a therapist by my experience working with adults with developmental disabilities. I found deep fulfillment in making a positive impact with the people in my community and wanted to make that the focus of my life. I offer a warm and kind presence that allows my clients to speak without judgment. My approach is highly focused on the underlying feelings that inform how we navigate life. Utilizing a balance between compassion and direct communication, my aim is to create an atmosphere that is kind and comforting while respecting the work we do and the need for honesty. I believe in the ideas of genuineness, empathetic understanding, and unconditional positive regard for my clients. My goal is to demonstrate acceptance for my clients from a holistic perspective that includes every aspect of who they are. Understanding all of the facets and intersecting identities that make up a person, allows me to support them at my best. I also wish to provide my clients with useful tools that can help them to be their best selves both within a relationship and individually.

I'm Zack, a clinical therapist specializing in evidence-based treatment for children, teens, and adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders: social anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic attacks, specific phobias (fear of heights, flying, animals, etc.), body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs): hair pulling, skin picking, nail/lip/cheek biting, & attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). I earned my master's degree in social work from Widener University and my bachelor's degree in psychology from Pennsylvania State University. Outside of my practice, I enjoy spending time with family, golfing, playing video games, and following my favorite sports teams. Over the past decade, I’ve worked within various healthcare systems, specializing in OCD, anxiety-related conditions, BFRBs, ADHD, and depression. I am certified in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) through The Beck Institute, a rigorous process involving many hours of training and consultation with clinical psychologists specializing in CBT. I am certified in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and have received extensive training and consultation through the University of Pennsylvania Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety (CTSA). I am a member of the International Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Foundation (IOCDF). I have also received specialized training in Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) Treatment, Habit Reversal Training (HRT), & Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I have held leadership roles including Director, Manager, and Supervisor of Behavioral Health across multiple healthcare systems. These experiences have provided me with a deep understanding of workplace stress and burnout, making me especially attuned to the needs of professionals navigating high-demand environments. In addition to my private practice, I work as a Behavioral Health Clinician in the Emergency Room at Main Line Health System, providing psychiatric crisis assessments and support to individuals and families during some of their most vulnerable moments. I also teach CBT to physician residents within the Psychiatry Program, sharing evidence-based strategies to support mental health care in various settings.

My ideal client feels overwhelmed by the "trial and error" of mental health treatment and seeks a grounded, scientific approach to relief. They may be struggling with persistent anxiety, mood instability, or burnout, feeling like their current strategies aren't enough. They need a provider who respects their autonomy and looks at the whole person, not just a diagnosis. Their goal is to regain mental clarity and emotional resilience through a plan that balances clinical safety with their personal values for long-term health. I specialize in evidence-based medication management integrated with holistic values. By combining the latest clinical findings with a focus on lifestyle, nutrition, and stress resilience, I help you achieve optimal outcomes. I offer precise, data-driven care designed to minimize side effects while maximizing your quality of life and mental well-being. You deserve to feel supported by a provider who truly listens and views you as a partner in your own healing. Taking the first step can be daunting, but you don't have to navigate this journey alone. I invite you to reach out so we can discuss how a collaborative, science-backed approach can help you reclaim your balance and thrive.

I was inspired to be a therapist because of my own experience in therapy. I saw the benefits from my own sessions and worked with my therapist to work towards my goal of getting into graduate school. Now I want to help people the same way my first therapist helped me find what I was passionate in and also help those who might also feel stuck too. My style is one of collaboration and brainstorming together to figure out what solutions will help your unique situation. I always respect that you’re the expert of your life and I am here to help you figure out what clicks. I treat my therapy sessions as a casual conversation space and I use humor and analogies to get my examples and points across. Also as a video game enjoyer I use a lot of examples from that area of my life in creative ways to help emphasize or get certain points across in a different way. I’m a huge nerd so I love all things related to gaming, anime, superheroes, Dungeons and Dragons and card games. I’m a big enjoyer of fantasy and Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings is one of my favorite series that got me hooked into that genre. Currently enjoying Frieren and slowly finishing season 2.

I provide psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults. I work with people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, histories of trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, work issues, and low self-esteem. I also work with people who are looking for support in processing and understanding difficulties related to cultural identity. This includes issues pertaining to race, gender, sexual orientation, immigration, and second-generation Americans. Lasting personal change can develop within empathically-attuned relationships. This belief forms the basis for my work. My style is warm and collaborative, with a relational psychodynamic approach. We'll pay close attention to your story and inner experiences while always attending to how things play out in current relationships.

I work with clients of all ages, including students using a variety of modalities including cognitive-based strategies, somatic therapeutics and EMDR trauma reprocessing. I've worked in student affairs, was a clinical supervisor for graduate students for 10 years and now have a private practice where I love supporting students. I have a sliding fee scale to make therapy more affordable. I specialize in supporting LGBTQI+ students, reducing anxiety, supporting those managing illness or illness with a loved one, and when it fits, incorporating yoga, meditation and somatics. I'm a mix of east-coast-straightforwardness with California-anything-is-possible. My style is approachable, down to earth, and solutions-focused.

A desire to uplift others and highlight their strengths is what inspires me to work in the field of mental health care. I ensure that clients feel heard and understood in sessions through asking reflective questions to better understand their inner world and perspectives and creating a space that allows client to share their thoughts without judgment. It is important for me to make the client feel that they are the expert of their own issues and that we are collaborating together to shed light to solutions. I focus on client’s strengths and interests throughout our work, not just the struggles of their issues.

I help teens and young adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, stress management, self-criticism/perfectionism, and improving communication and relationships. I apply multiple techniques including CBT and mindfulness practices.

Being the first in your family to navigate college and professional settings is filled with excitement, growth, transition, and joy. It can also be lonely, confusing, and stressful. Do you feel caught between two worlds (family and work/school)? Do you underestimate your value or worth in places where you experience prejudice and discrimination? Are you struggling to define or accept who you are and what you value based on tensions with family or your culture? When you are First Gen, there are often challenges in both your professional and personal life that are hard to understand and cope with but you don’t have to do it alone. Working together, we will be able to gain clarity on how your experiences are impacted by your personal and family history, your communities, and society as a whole. We will shine a spotlight on your strengths, build your confidence, and help you lean into how amazing you are. We will explore how to manage the sad, frustrating, uncomfortable, and anxious parts of your life in a way that builds you up and grounds you in your values. Existing in two worlds doesn’t have to mean separating your life. You can be your full self with anyone, anywhere. If you are ready to get started on the next stage of your First Gen journey, contact me today!

There are many things that can lead a person to seek therapy. You may be experiencing a persistent feeling of fear but just can't put your finger on where it’s coming from. Perhaps you've been feeling anxious about being judged harshly by others or have been struggling with feelings of emptiness, loneliness, or loss of control. Bearing the weight of these experiences can often feel exhausting. But, you do not have to be alone in these struggles. Taking the first step to seek help can feel vulnerable and even scary. I believe that when the right conditions are present healing of the heart, mind, body, and soul can – and will – occur. Reach out today.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Joy Zembruski, LMFT, LPCC, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and professional clinical counselor, as well as a proud UCLA Psychology alumna, fortunate to be based in the beautiful coastal towns of Southern California. Therapist Joy Z is experienced and open to working with a diverse population in a variety of settings. Joy’s practice—TherapyJoyZ—offers client-centered mental health services, including individual, couples, teen and family therapy as well as psychological evaluations. TherapyJoyZ specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, ADHD, addictions, and cultural adaptation, using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). Our practice is committed to providing high-quality, ethical, and compassionate care. We use evidence-based therapy methods, participate in ongoing training and continuing education, regularly review treatment progress, and follow professional and legal standards to ensure each client receives safe, effective and respectful support.

Do you think about what kind of person you'd like to be, but feel uncertain, nervous, lost, or overwhelmed about how to make the change? College is an exciting time to explore your identity, learn how to build meaningful relationships, and to find a purposeful career. If you're hoping to feel more confident in who you are, feel more certain about your direction in life and live up to your potential, you've come to the right place. Dr. Grace specializes in asking these "big questions" in life. She marries the wisdom of Buddhist practices with the science of psychology to deepen clients' self-awareness and exploration, and uses a multiculturally sensitive lens to identify how our environments may have shaped our beliefs, motivations, and behaviours. Clients often say that sessions with Dr. Grace feel productive, with a balance between insight and action. Her presence is calming and non-judgmental, encouraging clients to maximize their growth. She is a MSU alumni, having previously worked at CAPS, and offers fully virtual services in both English and Mandarin. Evening hours available.

Life can feel like a lot sometimes. Maybe you're anxious, overwhelmed, burned out, stuck in your head, or putting so much pressure on yourself that it's hard to enjoy anything anymore. You don't have to have everything figured out before coming to therapy. I'm a down-to-earth therapist who believes you don't need to be fixed. You need a space where you can be real. We can laugh, be honest about what's not working, and get to the root of what's keeping you stuck. I'll support you, challenge you when it's helpful, and we'll focus on practical changes that actually make a difference in your daily life. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, relationships, stress, self-esteem, trauma, or just trying to figure out who you are and where you're headed, we'll work together to help you feel more grounded, confident, and like yourself again. We'll do real work that creates real change.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am an ANCC Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner whom specializes in medication management and supportive psychotherapy. I received my Master’s of Science in Nursing from Western University of Health Sciences and my Post Masters degree as a Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Cincinnati. My clinical experience has provided me the opportunity to be exposed to a vast array of mental conditions and to work closely with individuals to improve their quality of life and overall wellbeing. I specialize in mood disorders, anxiety and ADHD. Psychiatry became my passion when I realized the disparity of services and care provided within our mental health care system. I believe it’s an honor and a privilege to work alongside individuals on their path to wellness. My goal is for each and every member to feel safe, empowered and heard. I am inspired to work in mental health by helping others attain a life they deserve and desire. I listen to each patient’s concerns and approach their care as a concerted effort. All psychiatry providers at Foresight have specialized experience in treating a wide range of common mental health conditions, including but not limited to ADHD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, depression, and PTSD. In addition, I specialize in the following areas: academic stress, deprescribing, holistic approaches to psychiatry, chronic illness, pregnancy, prenatal, postpartum, women’s issues (PMDD, PCOS, perimenopause, menopause, etc.)

Life isn’t a straight line. It’s hills and valleys – moments where you’re climbing, coasting, or just trying to catch your breath. We get it. We’ve been there too. And we believe no one should have to walk that terrain alone. Everybody deserves quality mental health and access to wellness. With warmth, humor, and zero judgment, we help you navigate your unique path with more clarity, confidence, and compassion.