Therapists for college students near UCLA

Hi, I'm Ava (she/they). I'm a therapist specializing in the treatment of OCD, eating disorders, and trauma. I'm particularly passionate about providing therapy to the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. As someone who is part of these communities, I have firsthand experience with difficulty finding a therapist who truly “gets” me without making assumptions or generalizations.

I am passionate about working with college students! Are you struggling at school? Maybe you're having difficulties in your relationships. Or do you want to feel more confident about yourself? During difficult times, I will help you find new ways of managing your life by teaching you coping skills. Do you beat yourself up? Therapy will teach you how to be kind to yourself. I like to do "what works". I pull from different approaches because every client is unique. My style of relating is warm and empathetic. I currently work with College Students, individuals and teens with issues including: Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, and Substance abuse. Here are are comments from my past clients "Maria is an excellent therapist. She has been instrumental in my recovery." "Maria was helpful especially since I was new to therapy." I am passionate about helping students conquer their fears & improve their self-esteem. My success comes from listening & being present with my clients in order to understand their experiences. I am available to see clients on Sundays!

Hi! I’m Jada Thompson, a Licensed Couple and Family Therapist. I am a proud second-generation Mexican American, born and raised in the Big Sky State of Montana. I moved to the Los Angeles area over ten years ago to feed my sense of exploration and reconnect with my family, culture, and self. My early life experiences, including the sudden death of my mother during childhood, have shaped me into the person I am today and fueled my drive to pursue a career in mental health. I graduated from Alliant International University in Los Angeles with a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. While working in community mental health, I continued to grow in my work with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I offer individuals a compassionate space to explore identity, relationships, and life transitions with curiosity and respect. Whether facing cultural or religious trauma, rejection, or the pain of not feeling fully seen, we work together to uncover the roots of struggle and build tools for greater freedom, resilience, and fulfillment in the present.

A lot of the students I work with are thoughtful, driven, and hard on themselves. You might look like you have it together, but inside you’re stressed, burnt out, or quietly questioning everything. In our work together, we’ll slow things down, get curious about what’s going on, and build tools that help you feel more grounded and less overwhelmed. I’m warm, straightforward, and collaborative. Therapy with me is a supportive space to be yourself, feel understood, and make college life feel more manageable.

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 there! In my approach to therapy, I emphasize empathy and active listening, creating a compassionate environment where my clients feel heard and validated, fostering a safe space for exploration and growth. I also incorporate positive self-talk and affirmations, encouraging clients to build resilience and self-esteem. My communication style is characterized by warmth, active listening, and empathy. I foster an open and non-judgmental atmosphere, encouraging clients to express themselves freely. My compassionate approach combines encouragement and positive reinforcement, helping clients feel supported as they explore their thoughts and feelings.

I’m really passionate about mental health and I genuinely enjoy helping people work through their challenges and find ways to improve their lives. I work to make a real difference by being someone who listens and supports clients in a way that helps them feel understood and empowered. I want to help them build the tools and confidence they need to handle whatever comes their way. My goal is to create a space where they feel comfortable exploring their feelings and making positive changes in their lives. I often use CBT which is highly effective in helping clients identify and alter dysfunctional thought patterns and behaviors. This approach is beneficial for addressing anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders. I also incorporate aspects of DBT, especially the mindfulness and emotion regulation parts. These techniques provides clients with practical skills to manage their emotions and relationships more effectively. PCT and ACT are also central to my practice. t’s important to me that clients feel heard and valued in our sessions and help clients stay present and committed to making positive changes, even when things get tough. I enjoy working with diverse communities such as minority and marginalized communities, refugees and immigrants, individuals experiencing homelessness, people with substance use disorders, caregivers, incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals, veterans, survivors of trauma and domestic violence, elderly populations, individuals with chronic illnesses, and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. My aim is always to provide tailored, empathetic support that meets the specific needs of each client. Throughout my career, I’ve had the chance to work with all sorts of people, from children in kindergarten, teens, adults and trauma survivors. These experiences have really shown me how strong and resilient people can be. Personally, dealing with my own challenges has taught me the power of empathy and creating a safe space for clients. I always aim to stay updated with the latest therapy techniques to give my clients the best support possible on their healing journeys.

Women who find me often describe feeling disconnected from themselves in ways that are hard to explain. Most are in their 20s, many of whom are Latina, navigating identity shifts and redefining who they are after major life transitions. They may have ambition, potential, and clear goals, yet still feel held back by something invisible. That “something” often goes by many names: depression, low self-worth, insecure attachment, abandonment and rejection wounds, and unresolved relational trauma from childhood. My approach has two phases. First, we begin with depth-oriented, insight-driven work—making the unconscious conscious and getting to the root of your experiences. Once we understand the why, we shift into a more practical, change-oriented phase. Here we begin to reconstruct your inner world and sense of self in noticeable ways: reshaping your belief system, identifying priorities, developing healthier habits, letting go of self-sabotage, and learning how to stop abandoning yourself. I care about offering something more lasting than a way to cope. The woman you’re becoming isn’t someone you have to create from scratch; you are already her. Let’s find your way back to yourself.

As a Black woman who is often seen as "having it all together," it may be challenging to admit that you are having a difficult time. You may automatically say that you are "good" or "well" when people ask how you are doing but know deep down that this is a mask of how you are really feeling. Recognizing and admitting to yourself about the mask is the first courageous step to getting support. Even though many of us have been told to not let our guard down by showing others that we do not have it all together or that only "crazy" people who do not look like us go for therapy (not true!), you know what you need for yourself.

Overwhelmed, scattered, stuck in cycles of anxiety and procrastination. Losing track of time, riding emotional highs and lows, struggling to quiet your mind — and not knowing why. These patterns can be linked to ADHD, and in adults they frequently go unrecognized for years. What builds up in that time isn't just difficulty with focus and follow-through, but criticism, self-doubt, and anxiety that never quite got resolved. The adults I work with are often highly capable people who've built impressive lives, but carry a quiet exhaustion from working twice as hard just to keep up. They mask well in public and struggle privately. My approach integrates multiple evidence-based therapies, including EMDR, a model built on the understanding that your brain has a built-in system for healing — linking difficult or traumatic memories to your adaptive memory network for nervous system healing and cognitive restructuring, so you can move forward with clarity.

As a first-generation Filipino-American and the oldest child of immigrant parents, I am passionate about destigmatizing mental health. I believe people are inherently resilient but sometimes need space to tap into this resiliency. Providing this space drives my work, and I am grateful to witness my clients’ healing journeys. Therapy can be scary, so I strive to make the therapeutic space warm and safe by listening without judgment and having a calm presence. I truly believe in meeting my clients where they are at. I try to create an environment where my clients feel like they have control over what they share and how much they share. I believe my clients are the experts of their lives, while I have certain tools and knowledge to help them be the best version of themselves. My clients are the ones in the drivers seat and I strive to build trust at their pace. Sessions are collaborative and I consistently check in about how my clients are feeling about their overall progress in therapy.

I became a clinical counselor because I believe healing begins when someone feels authentically heard. Life can be incredibly loud, leaving us feeling disconnected from what matters the most. I provide a quiet, attentive space dedicated to your voice and your experiences. Whether you’re facing uncertainty or deep challenges, my goal is to ensure you feel fully understood and supported during life transitions. I believe the therapeutic relationship is important and I foster transparency in my work. I seek to have genuine curiosity to collaborate in having clients identify connections in thought process, emotions, and behaviors. This process is your journey, and you are the expert on your own life. I follow your lead, respecting the pace that feels right for you. This collaborative approach ensures that our work together is grounded in safety, dignity, and a shared sense of purpose. If it rains during our session, I might look out a window for a second because that ‘rain smell’ is my favorite.

I went into psychology to address what I believe is a growing imbalance of work/life stress and personal guilt in modern day society. I want to help clients struggling with this both individually and as couples or families. Experiences from past careers has given me an appreciation for diverse learning methods and cultural attitudes, as well as how to be flexible and creative in my coaching with clients of all ages. Managing the ups and downs of any chronic condition is the unacknowledged full-time job of millions of people, and yet there is little credit given for it. I am here to be supportive, inventive, encouraging, and sympathetic to clients struggling with the ongoing stress of managing their lives, and help them lead an enjoyable life no matter what they may be handling. I believe that when people connect, lives get better. I have always been an advocate for others’ growth, and enjoy helping people gain insight into themselves and their world. As a marriage and family therapist, I help individuals address elements of their lives and themselves that are interfering with their relationships. As an individual therapist, I focus on unlocking and identifying core motivations and strengths in clients that are unique to them, and which often provide clients with the direction or guidance they are seeking. My psychotherapy practice is tailored to give clients exactly the kind of supportive opportunity they need to focus inward, realign with their personal needs, and heal from stress as they learn to manage it. I have a warm communication style that clients describe as encouraging, analytical, and direct. I use a Cognitive Behavioral approach, with elements of Emotionally Focused Therapy to explore deeper memories, and Solution-Focused principles to create measurable progress between sessions.

Becoming a therapist felt like a natural path for me, where my curiosity about the human experience and my desire to help others could come together. I value the opportunity to walk alongside my clients as they gain insight, work through challenges, and create meaningful change in their lives. I also believe that having a supportive, nonjudgmental space to reflect and be heard can be incredibly powerful, and it’s meaningful for me to be able to offer that to people. I value creating a supportive, collaborative and warm environment where clients can feel seen and safe to be themselves and open up. My goal is to help you develop insight, strengthen coping skills, work to build emotional resilience, reclaim calm and feel more confident in navigating life’s challenges with greater clarity and confidence. My work is guided by compassion, curiosity, and respect for each client’s unique life experience. I believe that everyone has the capacity for growth, and I am honored to be part of that process. By integrating evidence-based, trauma-informed care with practical tools, I help clients move from surviving to thriving. I invite you to reach out for a consultation to explore how we can work together to build a more empowered future. I strongly believe in practicing what I encourage in my clients-prioritizing intentional self-care in everyday life, whether that means attending my favorite Zumba class, enjoying a good book, or soaking up the sun while on a walk with my two chihuahuas.

You just need to do figure out to eat for dinner, you’ve done it a million times, so why does it feel so hard? In my practice, I’ve learned that we often go through life reacting to situations without fully understanding why. I specialize in working with neurodivergent young adults (i.e. ADHD, Autism, OCD) and I'm passionate about helping people understand how their unique minds and bodies work. There is so much you are already doing instinctively to cope with things (probably a lot of it without even realizing it's a coping skill), I just get to help you figure out what that is and how to use it more effectively. By untangling your thoughts, exploring your feelings, and developing a deeper understanding of your mind and body, I will help you regain the power to build a life that works for you. Trying new things can be hard but what you’re doing isn’t easy. It’s worth giving yourself a chance. Please contact me if you would like to schedule a free consultation.

Hi there! I’m Jocelyn, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in supporting individuals who were expected to take on adult responsibilities at a young age. Together, we'll explore the lasting impacts of family trauma, including the unique experiences that can come with growing up in immigrant families, navigating cultural expectations, mental health stigma, and breaking generational cycles of trauma.

A major inspiration for me was my five years as a Director of Programs for a Los Angeles nonprofit, where I supported youth and young adults transitioning out of foster care, as well as those recovering from trafficking situations. Through that work, I saw how powerful it is when people feel truly seen, heard, and supported. I was especially drawn to helping young people and families navigate complex emotions and relationships. That experience led me to become a therapist so I could continue supporting children, families, and couples in building stronger connections, healing, and growth. My approach is very client-centered, which means I focus on creating a space where you feel safe, respected, and able to be yourself. I listen closely, reflect back what I’m hearing, and check in often to make sure I’m understanding your experience accurately. Whether I’m working with a child, a couple, or a family, I make sure each person feels included, valued, and supported. I also integrate creativity and flexibility into sessions, because not everyone expresses themselves best through words alone. Working together is collaborative—you are the expert on your life. My role is to support and guide you. With couples and families, that often means helping improve communication, strengthen relationships, and create a deeper understanding of one another. With children, I may incorporate play, art, or creative activities to help them express themselves in ways that feel natural and comfortable. Trust is built over time through consistency, openness, and respect. I show up authentically, follow through, and create a nonjudgmental space where you can share at your own pace. I also invite feedback so we can adjust our work together in a way that feels most helpful to you. I love incorporating creativity into my own life—I’m always exploring new art activities or creative projects. I often bring that energy into sessions, especially with kids and families, because it can make the process feel more engaging and even a little fun at times.

Who I am I am a dual board-certified nurse practitioner in psychiatric mental health and family medicine primary care. I am deeply committed to helping individuals facing complex mental health challenges. I provide medication management for adults and children. I prioritize creating a safe, non-judgmental environment for personalized, patient-centered care. My goal is to be your trusted partner on the journey to mental well-being, providing support, understanding, and guidance for a fulfilling life. I am committed to being your trusted partner on this transformative journey. Our First Session Our initial session will be a collaborative discussion. We'll begin by getting to know each other and exploring the specific mental health concerns you're currently experiencing. This will allow us to develop a personalized treatment plan to address your unique needs. My greatest strengths As a dual-certified Psychiatric and Family Nurse Practitioner, I offer comprehensive mental health care for a wide range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and addiction. With experience working with diverse populations, I understand the unique challenges faced by individuals from various backgrounds. I'm committed to providing evidence-based treatment tailored to your specific needs, and I'm passionate about helping you achieve optimal mental health and well-being. Frequently Asked Questions What is your approach to care? *Trust and collaboration are central to treatment. I work with you to create a personalized, evidence-based plan that considers your symptoms, medical history, goals, and preferences. Care is structured, thoughtful, and focused on long-term stability and functional improvement. What conditions do you treat? *Telehealth psychiatric services are provided for: ADHD; Anxiety disorders; Depression; Bipolar disorder; Trauma-related conditions (including PTSD);Sleep concerns; Mood regulation difficulties All care follows current clinical guidelines and best practices. What medications do you prescribe? *Non-controlled psychiatric medications may be prescribed when clinically appropriate. Treatment is individualized and monitored closely for safety and effectiveness. Do you prescribe stimulants or benzodiazepines? *No. Controlled substances are not prescribed, including: ADHD stimulants (e.g., Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin), Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin) This policy aligns with federal and state telehealth prescribing regulations. What services are not provided? *This practice does not provide documentation or evaluations for: Disability, FMLA, SSI, Work or school accommodations, Court or legal matters, Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letters, DMV, FAA, or capacity evaluations, Fit-for-duty or surgical clearance, Workers’ compensation, Military or travel clearance Services are limited to psychiatric evaluation and medication management. How does telehealth work? *You will receive a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation followed by structured follow-up visits to monitor progress, adjust treatment, and ensure safe, evidence-based care.

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.

We all have moments when we become stuck in life, held back by ours thoughts and feelings, unable to motivate ourselves to do what we want to do, facing down overwhelming barriers. I have been working with college students for over a decade now and I would like to help you find a way to become unstuck. Together we can build a safe and connected space, where we can better look inside and find what keeps you fixed in one place, work to understand why it persists, and develop ways to free yourself. We would start with a 20 min free consultation, if we're a fit we would start to meet weekly or every other week. My hope is that by the end of every session, you will feel heard, have let out what you need to, and walk away with a better understanding of yourself and actions to take to help things get better. Please reach out to me: access my calendar: https://care.headway.co/providers/andrew-iskandar?utm_source=pem&utm_medium=direct_link&utm_campaign=223522 email: andrewiskandarlcsw@gmail.com phone: ‪(424) 235-8130‬ website: andrewiskandarlcsw.com