Therapists for college students near UCLA

Combining the imagination of a poet with the skills of a psychologist, Dr. Owen (she/her) is an engaged and active listener. She sees the goal of therapy as helping students reduce current distress, resolve symptoms, and enhance their sense of passion and purpose. Dr. Owen uses insight-oriented and existential perspectives to deepen conversations, including informed consideration of family, societal, racial, gender/sexual orientation, and cultural dynamics that may be impacting you. This approach helps provide a through-line of inquiry across sessions. To help people start feeling better in the short-term, Dr. Owen uses the skill-sets of cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma-informed practice, mindfulness, and somatic work to address things impacting your ability to function in school and to work toward feeling better day to Dr. Owen is a secular therapist who also specializes in working with exvangelicals—people who have grown up in or left fundamentalist religious churches or spiritual groups—as well as anyone who is on a path of deconstruction, i.e., deeply examining their religious/spiritual beliefs or faith. Dr. Owen has been in academia herself, having worked at a community college, a state university, and a small, highly selective liberal arts college, so she understands things unique to academia you may be struggling with. Common issues include navigating political issues with graduate students, undergrad challenges such as choosing a major and dating, worries about career, and working through cultural and identity issues. For students residing in Hawai’i, Dr. Owen is able to accept HMSA insurance.

I applaud your courage and strength in taking the first step toward well-being. My approach is Holistic and Culturally sensitive, with individually tailored goals that address Mind, Body, and Spirit Wellness. I can appreciate clients who want to heal & improve their lives. They are willing to make the necessary changes to build inner strengths, increase feelings of empowerment, implement boundaries and learn to Trust vulnerabilities in healthy relationships.

Welcome! I'm Sharan, a licensed marriage and family therapist with a spirituality specialization and a niche for trauma processing utilizing somatic modalities, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). My commitment is to create a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental space where clients can explore the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that trouble them in order to develop healthy sustainable coping strategies that enhance a better quality of life and promote the client's personal and psychological well-being!

I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 8 years of experience providing psychotherapy to individuals and families. I received my Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in Counseling and Social Change from San Diego State University and my Master’s of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of La Verne. I have extensive experience working with clients across the lifespan, with a primary focus on supporting individuals navigating Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD, often in conjunction with co-occurring mood disorders. My background is rooted in behavioral work, including providing social skills training and addressing social anxiety among children on the spectrum. Additionally, I have experience working with victims of crime of all ages, supporting them in processing and healing from trauma.

As a young therapist, I bring both professional expertise and personal insight into the intricate dynamics of college life. Having navigated the complexities of college myself, I comprehend the intricate tapestry of pressures, relationship dynamics, substance use concerns, and the myriad challenges that accompany this transformative period. I'm not just a therapist; I'm a compassionate guide committed to your well-being. I’ve been through the complexities of college life and I understand the pressures, relationship dynamics, potential substance use concerns and the different challenges that come with this transformative period in your life. From the outside looking in, parents don’t always understand the challenges that come with college life, and I want to be that supportive other to help you get through it. Therapy is a sacred space and my focus is helping you get to the root cause of your struggles. I find that healthy relationships are the key for psychological, physical, and spiritual health. I provide awareness into your behaviors, and the ability to see the underlying issues of why you're unsatisfied with your life. If you're having difficulty regulating your emotions when it comes to romantic relationships, or feel that you find yourself in the same relationship again and again, then you have come to the right place. I will help you get to the core of these issues, and find yourself content with your personal relationships. I create space and offer insight into your behaviors, and together, will teach you about repetition compulsion. You will feel that you have control of your emotions, over codependency, and be free of addictive behaviors. You can heal. I am not the type of therapist that will sit back and just listen, I truly want to help you turn over your pain and be free. I offer a strong, empathetic approach, and teach my clients how to feel confident within themselves. You will receive guidance from me. We will be engaging in dialogue. I am direct but compassionate, and want to teach you how to be direct and vulnerable too. You will leave each session gaining insight into your behaviors. You will challenged and supported.

I love working with college students. The transition to college can be a lot to manage. There are so many new experiences, pressures, and decisions, which can become overwhelming. I was in college the first time I met with a therapist. As exciting as life was, it was also one of the most difficult times. Reaching out for help had an enormously positive impact on my life; significant enough that it led me to pursue a career as a therapist. I consider my style to be patient, flexible, and caring. I am ready to meet you where you are at, no matter how big or small your challenges or goals may be. I am here to support you.

Hello, I’m Kimberly G. Galindo, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) serving adolescents, adults, seniors, veterans, and Spanish-speaking individuals throughout California. I specialize in ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, mood disorders, and medication management. I am board-certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and earned my Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University. I provide compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care through comprehensive evaluations, medication management, and supportive therapy. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where patients feel heard, respected, and actively involved in their care. With over 20 years of healthcare experience in critical care, behavioral health, leadership, and patient advocacy, I believe in treating the whole person, not just the diagnosis. Together, we will develop a personalized treatment plan to support your mental wellness, resilience, and overall quality of life.

I work mainly with individuals. Due to coronavirus concerns, I’m now available only for online (telehealth) sessions. In our sessions, we address such questions as: Are you having difficulties in your relationships? Do you experience anxiety or depression? Do you just want to feel better about yourself and reach your full potential? In addition, I specialize in helping creative and LGB people. Are you a creative person: Dealing with very high standards for yourself, so that only “perfection” is good enough? Do you have doubts about your own self-worth? Do you have a hard time dealing with: rejection the ups and downs of the creative process the task of constantly having to find new jobs? I help creative people to: Recognize that being creative is HARD!! Strive for excellence, not “perfection“ Become more patient with themselves Stop listening to internal, negative voices! Are you a Lesbian, gay, or bisexual who: struggles with coming out doubts your own self-worth judges yourself negatively has difficulty with society’s prejudice and discrimination I help LGB people to: be PROUD of who they are empower themselves embrace their positive qualities and achievements

Dr. Kavita Ajmere is a Clinical Psychologist in Los Angeles, CA. As the former Director of Counseling Services at Harvard Westlake school, she works with students from a wide range of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Dr. Ajmere is especially interested in young adults and health related concerns; specifically, depression, anxiety and sleep. As a certified yoga instructor she has a deep appreciation for understanding the mind-body connection. In addition to her clinical practice she is an adjunct professor at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles. Studying under Mark A. Reinecke, Ph.D., ABPP, ACT, Professor & Chief of the Division of Psychology, Northwestern University, Dr. Ajmere completed a year-long course on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy— a program that focuses on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Children, Adolescents, & Families. She has also completed a CBT program for the treatment of anxiety disorders with Dr. Patrick McGrath, Director of Alexian Brothers Center for Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders. As humans, we are complex, interesting, and deep. I believe in the powerful connection between our inner world and our mental health. My style is eclectic and inclusive. I present the best tools and techniques in the fields of psychology and personal growth that are most relevant and produce results. These include coaching and counseling models, cognitive approaches, body centered practices, spiritual psychology and, positive psychology.

Healing and change begins with the therapeutic relationship. Through a caring and nonjudgmental space we can process difficult emotions, gain awareness of what keeps us in suffering, and integrate newfound insights to bring relief. I am sensitive to the ways our past experiences and future anxieties impact our present. Together we will explore and discover what unfolds moment-to-moment to gain new understanding and begin healing and moving toward wholeness. I am deeply honored to witness your journey. As a veteran I understand the needs of service members, veterans and their families. I also specialize in addiction and recovery and have advanced training and experience working with anxiety, depression, codependency and trauma. I've also worked with children experiencing significant emotional and behavioral difficulties related to traumatic events. Gestalt therapy has formed the basis of my practice with special emphasis on awareness, integration and the therapeutic relationship. I am also an EMDR therapist, and incorporate depth psychological practices, imaginal methods, mindfulness techniques, and dreamwork.

My approach to mental wellness is very simple, I listen; I want to understand your story: dreams, strengths and challenges. I use a holistic approach combined with medication management and psychotherapy. I usually work with high functioning patients with mood disorders, ADHD, anxiety and sleep disturbances. My patients are motivated to do the work to get better and understand it takes time and consistency. Prior to enter the medical field I was a K-12 educator. It's what propelled me into the world of mental health. I saw so many students struggling academically due to depression, anxiety and identity issues. Helping people find a balance in life is what drives me.

Hello! I am a licensed clinical social worker in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I also recently earned my PhD in social work. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients better understand the relationship between thoughts and feelings. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment.

Rui Dolen is a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in the treatment of trauma, developmental trauma, and reactions to other stressful events in children and adults. Rui is a somatic therapist combining Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP) and Attachment-Focused Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (AF-EMDR), as well as parts work (ego states). Rui's approach is a holistic (mind-body-spirit), non-violent, mindfulness-based, and attachment-based somatic approach, as well as based on Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) which is also the foundation of Rui's parenting consultation and coaching practice. Rui became passionate about parenting during her trauma work with children and families because she realized parenting is the prevention of trauma and we can all change the world through intentional parenting. After struggling with infertility, Rui now is a mother of a 28 weeks preemie baby who survived multiple surgeries and various feeding issues during the first year of her life. Embodying her own trauma practice, and with the support of her professional communities, she has been on her healing journey and grateful for her little miracle every day. Rui was born and raised in Beijing, China. With her eastern background, she is connected to mindfulness-based practice and life philosophies, personally and professionally. Growing up, Rui has seen her own family and the society in China suffering from different forms of trauma including generational trauma. Her innate curiosity and determination led her to study Psychology in the U.S. Rui holds a Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology from California Lutheran University. Since then, along with founding her own private practice, The Wholistic Connection, Rui also is a part of the mental health team at AMDA College & Conservatory of the Performing Arts in Hollywood. Rui also has worked with Strength United, Pacific Clinics, Pacific Asian Counseling Services, and most recently the intensive outpatient program at Community West. In her free time, Rui is a yogi, major foodie, Airstreamer, and traveler. Her husband and she traveled around the world for a year in 2016. Her best getaway is to take her baby, four dogs, and drive their airstream to camp in nature.

Welcome! Therapy isn't for broken people, it's for anyone wishing to be happy and function at their best. I help students who are anxious, who have a hard time staying focused and grounded, and who worry a lot, to understand their mind and emotions in ways that help everything make sense and reduce their symptoms to a place where they feel in control. I look forward to helping you and having some fun along the way!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

You are feeling stuck and overwhelmed from the pain and trauma of your past. At times it feels like your body and mind are at odds, out of your own control, and you feel distant from yourself and others around you. You're unsure of how to move forward but you know it can't continue on like this. You're looking for a sense of peace and safety within yourself and your relationships. You want to finally leave the past in the past and show up as more wholly you. Whether you are just beginning to explore the ways your past has impacted you or you've been in therapy before, I believe lasting change and healing is possible.

Do you feel like something is wrong with you? Are you wishing you could just "stop"? Do you always feel like adults don't understand? My practice is based around what happened to us, not what is wrong with us. My goal is to create a safe, collaborative, interactive and fun space where you feel understood, empowered, and equipped with practical tools to meet your goals. Together we will learn, build on your strengths, and celebrate your wins. I am here to support & guide you through this process, together.

My goal is to help you find the freedom to be yourself. Oftentimes, people and circumstances we experience can change the way we perceive ourselves and our life. We can feel like we’ve lost our place in the world or lost a sense of who we are or want to be. My goal is to help you to overcome those obstacles through mindset work, problem solving, and boundary setting. You are unique and deserve to be able to express your individuality and live the best life possible.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

The most important factor in the therapy process is feeling like you can be authentic and honest with your therapist. Let’s see if we could be a good fit! I am passionate about joining clients on their journeys to increase their overall well-being. I enjoy working with college students and young adults. During these phases of life, transition is constant. Many clients I see begin therapy due to lasting effects of trauma, overwhelming feelings, difficulty adjusting to new circumstances, or disruptive behaviors that interrupt their daily lives. I view my role as to walk alongside clients, offering support, tools, and fresh perspectives as they find their own path toward healing, growth, and making peace with the impact of past experiences. I currently have openings available for new clients. Right now I am offering virtual sessions only. I am partnered with Headway who will confirm your in network status and take care of all insurance billing. Please feel free to reach out on my website or via email to schedule a free 15 min phone consultation.