Therapists for college students near UCLA
Heidi Mendez, LMFT146338, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Who believes that people are multidimensional and more than their profession, life circumstances, and public image. In 2018, Heidi earned her master’s degree in Marriage and family therapy from the University of Phoenix. Heidi’s earliest work experience includes providing services to children, and at-risk youth and their families. Heidi has also worked in numerous clinical settings including an outpatient program with adults struggling with various mental and emotional health issues. Heidi has then transitioned into providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families. Heidi is firmly rooted in the systemic approach and draws from other practice theories as needed including cognitive behavioral therapy, brief strategic therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Heidi has also worked with individuals and groups utilizing her bilingual and bicultural background. Heidi knows the importance of out of the box thinking and creating an environment where real people can talk. Experience includes 12 years overall working with youth and adults. Outside of her mental health field expertise, Heidi enjoys going to the movies, painting, and spending time with family. She believes in maintaining a healthy work-life balance and encourages her patients to embrace wellness in all aspects of their lives.
Psychiatrist with more than a decade of experience in psychiatry treating adults and adolescents with a combination of medications and therapy.
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Have you ever found yourself asking “What was I thinking?” or thought, “I should have done this differently!” I get it, and you’re not alone in these thoughts! They are signs that you’re hoping for change. Whether you’re experiencing conflicts in your relationship, cross-cultural challenges, academic concerns, or you’re taking time for self-exploration, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed, scared, anxious, or even depressed through it all. I’m here to work with you in turning these challenges into the freedom you’re pursuing. When working through challenges, it often feels like we're in a never-ending loop with limited options in hand, and I know how exhausting this can feel! I've helped college students and young adults find their way out into a meaningful life. I specialize in individualized care, knowing that what works for some people, may not work for you! I’m here for YOU! At times therapy can feel intense or complex, but just like life, we will also leave room for enjoyment and reward. I will be here with you every step of the way as we use the experience together to head out of that never-ending loop and into the life you have been waiting for. Are you ready for the ride? I’m ready for you.
My therapeutic approach deals with stories, and I am interested in including modern ways of storytelling into the work we do through digital media, technology, and even video games. I believe that stories are created through a variety of mediums that include art, play, and experience. I encourage the people I work with to explore all of the ways they have to come to know the world around them to make our time together even more fun, engaging, and relevant to you. In my practice, my goal is to collaborate with my clients in better understanding how they’ve storied their lives, challenging dominant narratives and systems of oppression, and exploring more preferred ways of being. The theories that inform my work include: narrative therapy, collaborative therapy, solution-focused therapy, play therapy, motivational interviewing, and strength-based therapy. Someone who might be interested in working with me is open and willing to explore the different ways that therapy can "be"! I invite collaboration and exploration in the work we do together, so feel free to bring the passions that drive you along with the obstacles you are facing into the room. Music, art, games, movies, even the people in your life are all resources to bring to therapy that can help to better understand the person you want to be and the story you want to tell. My experience as a queer, 1st generation Filipino-American is what inspires me to support others in their identity development. Navigating the endless messages and oppressive narratives that make up the modern, cultural milieu can be overwhelming and limiting. My hope is to create a non-judgmental space where the people I work with can challenge these dominant social narratives that attempt to tell them who they are or who they should be and begin crafting their own unique, preferred sense of self. I believe in challenging the notion that therapy is apolitical. I believe that the work that we do in attempt to better ourselves as individuals undoubtedly impacts and is impacted by those arounds us whether it's friends, loved ones, neighbors, or strangers across the globe. This is why I use social justice framework in my practice as I hope to promote total wellbeing not just for the client but for the larger communities and systems we are a part of.
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I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes therapy works best when you feel truly seen and understood. I meet clients where they are and provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space to explore life’s challenges. My work focuses on helping clients process stressors, navigate difficult experiences, and move toward meaningful personal growth. My approach is compassionate, open-minded, and flexible. I work collaboratively with clients to find practical, meaningful solutions while also creating space for deeper reflection. I can be both straightforward and grounded when needed, while also using metaphor and insight to help clients better understand themselves and their experiences. In our first session, you can expect a relaxed and supportive environment where we focus on getting to know you—your story, your goals, and what brings you to therapy. We’ll begin identifying what you’d like to work on and start building a plan that feels manageable and aligned with where you are, helping you move forward at your own pace.
College can be a time of deep change and self-discovery, but it can also feel overwhelming, isolating, or uncertain. You might be navigating anxiety, grief, family challenges, creative blocks, or a sense of being stuck. Maybe you feel disconnected from yourself or unsure of your path. If you’re carrying a lot but don’t know where to put it, therapy can be a place to set things down, breathe, and figure out what comes next. I specialize in working with students who are introspective, creative, and thoughtful—those who feel things deeply and want to make sense of their experiences. Whether you’re struggling with self-doubt, life transitions, perfectionism, or the weight of unspoken emotions, I offer a space to explore, heal, and reconnect with your inner wisdom. My approach is warm, down-to-earth, and collaborative. Together, we work at your pace, uncovering patterns that no longer serve you and finding ways to move forward with clarity and self-trust. Our work may include mindfulness, creative expression, or simply meaningful conversations that help you feel more grounded.
Dealing with challenges in life is never easy; nor is deciding to seek professional support with a therapist. As a therapist, I strive to provide a safe and supportive space for you to heal and grow. I am looking forward to working with you together to increase awareness, explore your strengths/identities, and develop new ways to live your life. Witnessing my clients to better connect to themselves, their loved ones, and grow new potential is the most fulfilling part of my work. My approach is integrative, strength-based with an emphasis on psychodynamic, relational, and Jungian psychology principles. Before moving to the US, I worked at National Taiwan University Hospital as a licensed clinical psychologist and a supervisor. My experience of transitioning between and practicing in different countries deepened my passion working with international students, immigrants, children of immigrants, and Asian Americans in multicultural and feminist perspectives. I provide individual therapy in English and Mandarin. I completed pre-doctoral internship at California Pacific Medical Center and postdoctoral residency at Kaiser Permanente, Santa Clara. I specialize in helping preteens(9-12)/teens, adults, and parents on a range of multicultural issues. Let's connect and see if we are a good fit!
BECERRA FAMILY THERAPY, APC IS A PSYCHOTHERAPY GROUP PRACTICE THAT SERVES A DIVERSE RANGE OF CLIENTS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA IN PERSON AND THROUGH TELEHEALTH. Becerra Family Therapy is a woman-owned, Latinx-run therapeutic space formed to serve the wider community. We understand that specialized treatment is important in the healing process, and we strive to meet your needs. Becerra Family Therapy was founded from the vision of training and providing bicultural and multilingual therapists, as well as therapists who are well-versed with LGTBQIA+ needs. We want our clients to be confident in knowing that any therapist at Becerra Family Therapy will understand them. Our therapists are highly trained and understand the sensitivity and beauty of a different culture. One of the most important aspects in therapy is that you connect with your therapist so that together you can work toward your therapeutic goals. We strongly believe that with the right support, anyone is capable of healing. We are here to support you in your process, help you to grow, and to provide a variety of specialties to assist with your journey.
I believe that therapy is a place where you can put your protective armor down and have permission to be your most authentic self. My hope is to hold a safe space where you can navigate through the challenges that life throws at us, especially when the pressure to hold everything together becomes too heavy and overwhelming.
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My practice is infused with warmth, care, and heart. Since childhood, I've held a deep curiosity for the relationships that make up our world. I greatly admire and honor these connections - whether between caregivers and children, friends, romantic partners, or animals we see in nature. This curiosity led me to become a relational therapist, where I now have the privilege of walking alongside individuals and couples on their journeys, creating an environment that brings to light the connection that has always existed between us and guiding relationships toward deeper, more resilient roots together. Integrative and relational in nature, the therapeutic work I do incorporates somatics, person-centered therapy, and mindfulness practices. I hold the belief that we all carry our own innate wisdom, and as such, I create space in the therapeutic relationship for my clients to be the experts on themselves and to articulate their needs, wants, and experiences in a safe, nurturing environment. The focus within my work is less on fixing and more on accompanying your human-ness. In addition to the work I do with couples, I am passionate about providing care to those navigating the journey to parenthood. This love for the perinatal space and supporting future and new parents started when I was a child and would spend a great deal of time caring for young children in my community and connecting with their caregivers. Since, this passion has expanded through advocacy work in the paid parental leave space and training I’ve completed as a Postpartum Doula. This beautiful time of transition into parenthood brings about inevitable change, and it is a true joy and privilege of mine to hold a nurturing space for people to process these changes, cultivate connection during a time when community is needed, and heal. I'm not a parent myself at this stage in my life, yet I feel deeply called to this meaningful work of supporting individuals and couples as they navigate these profound life transitions.
I like to work with motivated and intelligent clients who want to grow and excel. I take a strength-based approach and focus on identifying themes and patterns in your life and coming up with a concrete action plan.
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As a clinical psychologist, I understand that seeking therapy can be a challenging and vulnerable experience. This makes it all the more important to me to create a warm and welcoming environment where you feel comfortable and understood. My approach is compassionate and understanding, and I am here to provide guidance and support as you navigate the challenges you're facing and work towards positive changes in your life and relationships. I received my Master's and Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology from California Lutheran University. I completed a doctoral internship in clinical health psychology at Veterans Affairs Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center, an American Psychological Association (APA) accredited training site. I furthered my specialization in trauma-informed care with a postdoctoral residency at Veterans Affairs Los Angeles Ambulatory Care Center. I have training and experience implementing evidence-based practices such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy (IBCT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT). I am a certified provider of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for trauma. I have worked with couples, individuals, and groups in community, VA, and private practice settings. My research has focused on helping survivors of human trafficking and complex trauma. I truly believe in the power of therapy, and I am here to support and encourage you every step of the way. If you're located in California and need support, don't hesitate to reach out!
College can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. You might be trying to balance school, work, relationships, family expectations, or your own mental health — often without much time to slow down. If you’re feeling anxious, stressed, disconnected, or unsure how to manage everything, you’re not alone. I offer a warm, supportive space where you can process what you’re going through, understand your stress, and learn practical tools to feel more centered and capable. My style is relatable and collaborative, and you can come exactly as you are. Sessions are virtual and easy to fit into a busy student schedule.
Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, confused, or depressed? Are you feeling disconnected or lost as you navigate your college journey? I would love to support you and empower you to reach your potential. We all deserve to live a rewarding and fulfilling life and sometimes we just need a little help into the right direction. I am honored to help you! In my practice, I strive to combine clinical expertise with empathy and cultural competence to provide effective support and guidance to individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and college adjustment issues. My goal for anyone that I work with is to create a safe and nonjudgmental space for clients to explore their concerns, develop coping strategies, and work towards positive change.
I know it can be daunting reaching out for therapy - to let in support, to try to find the right fit, to allocate the resources & time. When I was a senior in college, therapy truly saved my life - but I so remember how long it took for me to be able to make that first call. So props to you for exploring! If we end up working together, you will likely share a lot about you. So here’s a little bit about me: I’m a white (French, British, and German heritage), queer, cis-woman from a middle-class background who is able-bodied (with some lived experience of chronic illness). I’m often dreamy, sensitive, irritable, passionate, anxious, patient, funny. I love humor, music, sour gummy worms, Rihanna, poetry, shoes, crying, and books. I’m passionate about social justice and art. I grew up in a coastal town so the ocean feels like home. I startle easily. I love singing and songwriting. Some of the big themes I’ve grappled with during this lifetime are: grief & loss; sexuality & sexual orientation; gender; body image and eating disorders; depression; anxiety; addiction and relationships with family members struggling with addiction; containment; perfection; co-dependence & attachment; sexual trauma; disconnection from creativity; betrayal, infidelity, & trust; monogamy & ethical non-monogamy; suicidality. And here's a bit about my therapy practice: I offer therapy for individuals & partners experiencing a broad range of life challenges. And, I have extensive experience in supporting folks as they navigate the following content areas: communication & relationship issues; grief & loss; identity; trauma; sexual orientation, sexuality & sensuality; creativity; systems & lived experiences of oppression; anxiety & fear; depression; co-dependence; addiction; infidelity, betrayal & trust; and inner-child work. I’m sex-positive, queer, and poly- & kink-affirming, and welcome all ethnic & racial identities & positionalities. The therapy that I offer is depth-oriented and strongly rooted in Gestalt & somatic modalities, as well as intersectional feminism. It is trauma-informed and client-centered. For those that are interested, I also enjoy using intuition, creativity, and the imaginal realms (imagery, visualization, experiential exercises, art, dreamwork, etc.) to support our explorations. If none of that means anything to you (understandable!), here's a *hopefully* less-jargon-y description of how I approach my work as a therapist: I fervently believe that you (and only you) are the authority of your experience. I am here to offer my curiosities, intuition, and reflections — in dialogue with you — to help you explore and discover your truth. I am interested in meeting you wherever you are in the present moment, supporting you to increase your awareness. It is my belief that only by increasing our awareness can we increase our felt experiences of agency and choice…which in turn allows us to live a more empowered, aligned, compassionate, and enlivened life. I care deeply about creating a safe container in our therapeutic relationship — to respect boundaries, to always track for consent and choice, to unambivalently welcome all parts of you, to fervently support both your safety and aliveness. I am passionate about and invested in exploring power, positionality, and privilege. I welcome and support difference, and am committed to efforts to not perpetuate authoritarian and oppressive systems in the therapeutic relationship. I honor & trust the massively creative and adaptive survival strategies that you have developed to keep you safe. And, I also honor the ways that the habitual enacting of those survival strategies may no longer be serving you — that your circumstances and capacities may have outgrown these mechanisms, and that you may need some support in this vulnerable re-emergence into the world. I will sit with you in your suffering. I’m not afraid of the darkness, or of your shadow. I will go to the depths with you. And stay there, in the underworld, with you for as long as you need…until you emerge anew on the other side. I believe that, together, we can co-create a homecoming for you. That our work can guide you home to your innate nature — to your authentic expression of your many parts of self. To your passion and presence and joy. To your aliveness. To feeling deeply nurtured and nourished. A return to self in which you come to truly and intimately know yourself for the first time. I so looking forward to hearing from you & seeing if we might be a good fit to work together, should you choose to reach out!