Skip to main content
Your message was sent successfully!

Therapists for college students near UCLA

Photo of Sara Marker
Sara Marker
Marriage & Family Therapist
Sacramento, CA
Accepting new clients

As a mental health provider, I am driven to provide quality care for patients. I hope my previous knowledge and experience, along with my desire to learn and grow, can help people meet their treatment goals. I enjoy meeting clients where they are in life, building rapport, and providing support. I hope to help patients bolster insight and awareness along with skills building “homework” to help enhance the therapeutic experience. My main approaches derive from DBT, CBT, and psychodynamic theories. I enjoy working with many populations and communities. My background working with active-duty, veterans, lgbtq+, children, couples, families, and individuals has provided me with a variety of experience. I am a transracial adoptee who lived in several countries growing up, which helped formulate some of my life views and goals. I have thoroughly enjoyed engaging in and reflecting on experiences with adoptees. I have thoroughly enjoyed every organization that I have worked for because they have all helped me learn and grow. Words cannot describe the joy and admiration I feel toward our active-duty servicemembers and veterans. I am forever grateful that I was able to provide services on a military base and out at sea. Individuals, couples, children, and families have helped me gain insight and awareness into different systems. I respect and appreciate every patient and wish everyone successful treatment.

Photo of Carolyn Mcclung
Carolyn Mcclung
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Laguna Niguel, CA
Accepting new clients

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who offers warm, trauma-informed support to college students, emerging adults, women, teens, children, and the perinatal community. Reaching out for therapy can feel vulnerable, especially when you are overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure where to turn. I see that step as an act of courage, and I feel honored to hold space for each client’s story. I am originally from the U.K. and later moved to California, where I earned my MSW and began my work as a therapist. Like many college students and young adults, I have experienced major life transitions, identity shifts, and grief. Those experiences shape how I work and allow me to meet clients with steadiness, empathy, and genuine care. My work is rooted in attachment-focused therapy. I support college students and young adults who feel stuck in relationship patterns, struggle with anxiety or self-doubt, or feel disconnected from themselves or others. I specialize in helping clients process trauma that has gone unprocessed and is now showing up in the way they see themselves, relate to others, and move through the world. Many of the clients I work with learned early on to adapt, stay strong, or put others first, and now find themselves feeling overwhelmed, emotionally shut down, or unsure how to ask for support. In therapy, we focus on building safety, understanding how past relationships shape the present, and developing a more compassionate relationship with yourself. I provide affirming care to LGBTQ+ clients and take an empowering, decolonizing approach that honors each person’s lived experience and identity. I draw from attachment-based therapy, parts work, somatic approaches, CBT, and EMDR to support healing that feels safe, collaborative, and meaningful. I consider it a privilege to walk alongside students and young adults during this stage of life, offering consistent, compassionate support as they build deeper self-trust and more connected relationships.

Photo of Ben Hummell
Ben Hummell
Marriage & Family Therapist
Thousand Oaks, CA
Accepting new clients

Ben’s professional training is as a Depth Psychotherapist, which means that his approach to helping others through difficult times always takes Soul into consideration when addressing the issues that his clients bring to their sessions. His work with others is also strongly influenced by his 36 years of meditation practice, which has developed into an ability to work with others with depth and wisdom.

Photo of Diane Patton Gaither
Diane Patton Gaither
Marriage & Family Therapist
San Jose, CA
Accepting new clients

I love working with college students navigating this important chapter in their lives. I understand a lot of the challenges many students encounter during this time in their lives and have a variety of ways to offer support. Some of the ways I can offer support are by helping students understand the underlying issues fueling the challenges they are facing as well as learning coping tools and finding access to resources or practices that can benefit them and help them move through the places they feel stuck to obtain their bigger goals. I offer a variety of techniques and ways of working with students, including but not limited to, tools based, interventions, dream work and hypnotherapy which can be especially helpful in resolving ineffective habits that get in the way day-to-day.

Photo of Ronnie Tucker
Ronnie Tucker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Santa Rosa, CA
Accepting new clients

I find it an honor to be let into people’s lives to support them in ways that they may not have the opportunity or ability at the moment. It is a meaningful and rewarding experience to be able to help others as others have been there for me. I try to create an open and inviting atmosphere to be yourself where you will be met with active listening and honest conversation while you freely express yourself. I am a transparent person and will consistently show up with the same energy and integrated approach combined with the use of life experience, humor, and education to help build a custom self care plan to thrive in.

Photo of Anna Lindberg Cedar, MPA, LCSW, LICSW
Anna Lindberg Cedar, MPA, LCSW, LICSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
San Francisco, CA
Accepting new clients

It is not uncommon for clients to tell me, "This is the first time I'm telling this to anyone..." I consider it a great honor to hold space for individuals to makes sense of difficult experiences and emotions, while also connecting with their greatest strengths and desires. I use well-researched therapy methods to help my clients boost coping during life's most stressful periods and transitions. I specialize in burnout prevention to help individuals connect with their innate ability to survive and thrive. Above all else, I prioritize my ability to listen, really listen, to my clients' deepest desires and wishes to be who they really are. Personally, I am drawn to the counseling profession because I believe wholeheartedly in our human capacity to grow and change. I consider it a privilege to support this process in my work as a therapist and as a burnout prevention educator. I bring my authentic self to my work (including a sense of humor) - and invite my client partners to do the same. I am inspired on a daily basis by the resilience of humanity and capacity for joy. Seeing these moments of inspiration has sustained me in this work throughout my career, and I feel grateful for the opportunity. Tell me: What changes would you like to see in your life? Warmly, Anna Lindberg Cedar, MPA, LCSW Therapy For Real Life Founder Burnout Prevention Hacker TherapyForRealLife.com (Available to see clients via telehealth throughout the states of CA and MN)

Photo of Eliot B.  Altschul , Ph.D.
Eliot B. Altschul , Ph.D.
Psychologist
Arcata, CA
Accepting new clients

I like to think of therapy as a journey of inner exploration and I am along as a guide. I believe that therapy is most effective when it is a combination of intellectual understanding and emotional experience. In that regard, it feels like your feelings are our road signs that we are in the right track to self-growth. I try to not have a specific agenda going into sessions, but rather to go where it is you feel like you need to go at that time. I believe that it is my role to create a safe space for you to express and explore whatever it is that is inside you. Compassion is key, and cultivating self-compassion is one of the most important elements of therapy. I look forward to helping you explore and become more self-aware and self-compassionate!

Photo of Carolyn Millikin, LMFT
Carolyn Millikin, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist
Vista, CA
Accepting new clients

I enjoy working with students and providing a safe place to understand yourself and build healthy relationships. The twenties are the time to explore and build your skills to live your best life.

Photo of Marisa Padilla
Marisa Padilla
Marriage & Family Therapist
San Diego, CA
Accepting new clients

Hi there! My name is Marisa and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 136357) based in San Diego, California. I offer individual mental health therapy to Young Adults and Teens virtually across California, specializing in work with those who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and trauma related to relationships and life transitions. Relationships can be complex. Whether you are looking for support with managing feelings about your family or romantic relationships, setting boundaries, addressing your people pleasing behaviors, or navigating new independence, I'm here to support! It is my hope that I can provide you with a safe space to be heard, navigate these emotions and challenges, and feel empowered both independently and within your relationships. My approach to therapy is an encouraging, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive approach blended with humor and creativity that ideally allows space for you to explore emotions, feel encouraged, and develop new insights. In my free time, I enjoy running along the beach at sunrise or sunset, having a cozy day in, spontaneous picnics in the park, and am currently on the hunt for the best matcha latte in San Diego! You're welcome to reach out for a free 15 minute call to see if we're a good fit. I look forward to hearing from you!

Photo of Marcelle Craig
Marcelle Craig
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Hayward, CA
Accepting new clients

You’re the strong one — the responsible one — the one who learned early how to hold it together. You navigate different spaces, code-switching when needed, carrying family expectations while trying to build relationships that feel healthy and secure. You’re self-aware, but old attachment patterns still show up. You’re ready to understand what shaped you and create connection that feels safe, mutual, and authentic. I provide trauma-informed, attachment-focused therapy for Black and Brown Millennials and Gen Z adults and couples. Using EMDR and relational therapy, we process generational and relational wounds so you can shift patterns at their root — not just manage the symptoms. You don’t have to keep carrying everything alone. Many of your patterns were learned for survival — they make sense. Therapy offers space to unlearn what no longer serves you and build something healthier. If you’re ready for intentional, culturally responsive depth work, I invite you to reach out.

Photo of SoCal Child Psychology
SoCal Child Psychology
Group practice
San Diego, CA
Accepting new clients

We are a group practice that specializes in supporting teens who struggle with ADHD, anxiety, and self-esteem. We provide in-person services near UCSD, as well as virtual therapy sessions to students across CA.

Photo of DJ Handelman LCSW
DJ Handelman LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Palo Alto, CA
Accepting new clients

Starting therapy is a big step—one that takes courage. College can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Maybe you're struggling with the weight of past experiences, feeling lost about your future, or dealing with relationship challenges that leave you unsure of where you stand. Balancing all of this while trying to keep up with school and daily life can feel like too much to handle on your own. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Therapy is a space where you can bring your full self—your worries, frustrations, hopes, and uncertainties—without fear of judgment. My goal is to help you make sense of what feels messy, reconnect with your strengths, and navigate the challenges that are holding you back. I specialize in working with college students and understand the unique struggles that come with this stage of life. If you're curious about how therapy might help, I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation. Feel free to check out my website or send me an email with any questions. No matter what you're facing, you're not alone, and I'm here to support you.

Photo of Brianna Lynn, LCSW
Brianna Lynn, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Modesto, CA
Accepting new clients

I enjoy working with those who are struggling with social and general anxiety, adjusting to major transitions in life (like starting college, changing majors, planning graduation), and identity. I am LGBTQIA+ affirming.

Photo of RDH Family Counseling Corporation
RDH Family Counseling Corporation
Marriage & Family Therapist
Placentia, CA
Accepting new clients

Where the healing begins...takes personal courage. Often times, it is not easy to ask for help because our fears of being judged. No longer do you have to suffer alone or in silence from: trauma, addictions, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, divorce or relationship difficulties. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 17 years of experience who will compassionately & effectively assist you through the counseling process. The "RDH Factor" of being able to Reveal, Deal, and Heal will provide empowerment. Working with clients to find relief & make changes towards freedom in making decisions & choices is a passion of mine. I assist individuals, couples, and families navigate the journey of life. My expertise is in: substance abuse, marital problems, divorce, childhood/sexual trauma, domestic violence, adoption & family conflict. I am Certified in EMDR, an evidenced based therapy that treats trauma, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and pain to alliviate psychological distress. Do not stay stuck in undesirable thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that are getting in the way of healing. I am here to help you today by offering a free 15 minute phone consultation to answer any concerns you may have. The healing begins now...

Photo of Hilary Goulding
Hilary Goulding
Marriage & Family Therapist
Greenwood Village, CO
Accepting new clients

Hi, I'm Hilary. I offer a safe and supportive space where college students can feel heard, understood and empowered. College can feel like a rollercoaster. Exciting one minute and overwhelming the next. I get how tough it can be. Whether you're facing academic pressure, social challenges, or navigating the complexities of adult life, I'm here to help you manage anxiety, build resilience and develop tools for a balanced, fulfilling life. My goal is to help you reconnect with your strengths, clarify your goals and create a sense of confidence and calm as you navigate this stage of life.

Photo of Stephanie Ramsay
Stephanie Ramsay
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Chicago, IL
Accepting new clients

Stephanie is a licensed therapist with over a decade of mental health experience across multiple cities and care levels. Her foundation as a clinician is built on evidence-based training, cultural sensitivity, and a deep commitment to helping people feel seen, understood, and empowered.

Photo of Satya Shah
Satya Shah
Clinic or agency
Campbell, CA
Accepting new clients

I work with adults, college students, and young professionals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood changes, or the effects of past traumas. I take a collaborative approach that may include medication management, lifestyle adjustments, or mindfulness-based practices. My goal is to help you feel understood and empowered as we work together to identify what is most effective for you. Our practice also offers a range of therapy and counseling services. When helpful, I’m glad to connect you with a skilled therapist so psychotherapy can be thoughtfully integrated into your care. If you have questions about a specific concern, don't hesitate to reach out.

Photo of Tanya Bengali
Tanya Bengali
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Long Beach, CA
Accepting new clients

I am duly certified as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner. I became a RN in 2006 and a family nurse practitioner in 2012. After working in family medicine, I became very passionate about mental health. I felt called to serve those who were often overlooked. Therefore, I got my board certification in psychiatry/mental health in 2018 and pursued psychiatry full time. I have been working at Foresight Mental Health since 2021. I’m inspired to work in mental health because of how rewarding it is. Being able to help someone through a life transition and be part of that journey to help them navigate it is a privilege. I strive to treat my patients as my own friends and family, as they are putting their trust in me to help them navigate through life transitions. My approach is collaborative and supportive and I aim to provide health services that place emphasis on both care and cure. Mental health is such a big part of our overall health, therefore I strive to eliminate the gap between behavioral and physical health and focus on improving overall health & wellness. My focus is to help my patients be as healthy and happy as possible.

Photo of Miles Levy-Nordhoff
Miles Levy-Nordhoff
Marriage & Family Therapist
Orange, CA
Accepting new clients

Navigating life’s transitions can feel overwhelming—whether it’s moving to a new city, starting college, getting married, going through a divorce, changing careers, or grieving a loss. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults who are struggling with anxiety and depression, particularly when these challenges arise during times of change. At the heart of my work is the belief that meaningful change begins with a strong, genuine relationship between therapist and client. What makes my practice unique is my commitment to helping clients discover and connect with their authentic selves. So often, conflict and distress arise when we feel out of alignment with who we truly are—or when we’re not even sure who that self is. My goal is to help you move toward a life where you feel more genuine, grounded, and whole. I strive to create a space where you feel both validated and challenged, using an integrative approach that draws from psychodynamic, narrative, and emotion-focused therapies. Together, we will explore patterns, reframe perspectives, and connect with the parts of yourself that feel most authentic. In our early sessions, you can expect us to spend time building trust, exploring what brings you to therapy, and clarifying your goals. We’ll focus on understanding your unique story and laying the foundation for the work ahead, at a pace that feels right for you. Therapy, to me, is about introducing you to yourself—sometimes for the very first time. If you’re ready to begin that process, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.

Photo of Ashley Griffin, PMHNP-BC
Ashley Griffin, PMHNP-BC
Pre-Licensed Professional
Campbell, CA
Accepting new clients

Many of the students I work with are navigating a big transition — moving away from home, balancing demanding coursework, managing finances, and figuring out who they are and what they want. It’s a lot to carry, and it’s easy to feel anxious, overwhelmed, or burned out trying to keep up. Some students come to me struggling with focus or motivation; others notice changes in their sleep, appetite, or mood and aren’t sure why. I work best with students who are ready to understand themselves better and take small, meaningful steps toward feeling balanced again. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, ADHD, depression, or just the stress of college life, my goal is to create a safe space where you feel heard, supported, and understood. Together, we explore what’s getting in the way of your well-being and find strategies — including medication management and lifestyle support — that fit your goals and your life. You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out — we’ll work together to help you feel more grounded, confident, and in control of your mental health.

Filters