Therapists for college students near UCLA

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hello! My name is Priscilla (she/her) and I am licensed to practice as a therapist in both Oregon and California. My practice centers on the dignity, safety, and belonging we each deserve. Many of my clients struggle with self-esteem, feeling like they belong, decision-making, and boundary setting. I help clients find ways to counter self-doubt so that they feel more empowered and comfortable trusting themselves. Sometimes, my clients discover that their patterns of thinking are tied to earlier events that may have been painful. I am here to be a safe, compassionate guide. I look forward to connecting with you!

I’m passionate about collaborating with clients to increase their confidence in their ability to cope with challenges and build fulfillment in their lives. It has been an honor to witness this in others during the past 15+ years of being a therapist. When it comes to working with clients, I take a biopsychosocial, collaborative approach, believing we are all physical, mental, emotional, and social beings with unique goals, challenges and viewpoints. My counseling approach is gentle, compassionate, person-centered, solution-focused and strength-based. I incorporate evidence-based interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), using the spirit of motivational interviewing to support clients to meet their goals and increase their coping.

Therapy is a partnership between you and me. My desire is to help you achieve your goals, to find your life purpose, to resolve your issues, whatever they may be. Change comes from within you—and that’s where we focus—on your body and the traumas it holds—so with can release them through various techniques that can really create true change inside you. Whether you are an individual or a couple, whatever you bring into the therapy office can be transformed. I believe in movement—that together we will make changes in your life. Let's not dwell on the traumas of your past—instead, we can work on releasing them from your body and your soul. Specialties include couples counseling, divorce mediation, spiritual growth, and life transitions. If you are in a relationship that is stuck in some way, or it looks like it’s getting worse, couple’s counseling can be very helpful and supportive for both parties. If you are an individual, working with me can be very supportive and expansive.

Throughout my career I have worked directly with people in a variety of settings including; child welfare, home health and hospice, crisis intervention, aging and working with adults with disabilities. Working with crisis clients in a community mental health setting inspired me on my path to supporting individuals in their healing journey. In session I strive to be present, attentive, curious and non-judgmental to learn about each person’s unique life experiences. Being a trauma survivor myself, I believe in the strength and resiliency that exists in each and every one of us. I will work collaboratively with you to help you identify strategies and solutions to address any of your challenges. My therapeutic approach is trauma-informed, client-centered and relationship-based; focusing on empowering client’s to make positive changes in their lives, developing their own tools and coping skills. I tailor my approach to the individual needs of each client, combining evidence-based practices with creative solutions to address each person’s individual unique life challenges.

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.

I’m drawn to helping people navigate difficult life transitions and supporting them in developing self-compassion and learning to validate their own experiences. I find it meaningful to walk alongside clients as they make sense of challenges and grow through them. I use humor and metaphors to explore complex or heavy topics in a way that feels more approachable and less overwhelming. I love helping clients find practical tools and unique solutions they can apply in their everyday lives, so they feel more empowered in managing their struggles and creating change. I approach the therapeutic relationship collaboratively and making sure we stay focused on what matters most to you. I’ll regularly check in and invite your feedback so we can adjust along the way and make sure your needs are being met. I utilize active listening, paying close attention to both what you’re saying and how you’re experiencing things. I may reflect things back or ask questions to better understand your perspective. My goal is for you to feel genuinely heard, respected, and supported throughout the process. At the beginning, we’ll talk about what brings you in and what you’re hoping to get out of therapy, and we’ll work together to set goals that feel meaningful to you. I’ll also explain how I work so everything feels clear and collaborative. Building trust is really important to me, so I focus on creating a safe, welcoming space that’s free of judgment and shame. I follow your lead and respect your pace, especially when we’re exploring more difficult topics. I also bring in humor, creativity, and metaphors to make the process feel more engaging and approachable. Over time, consistency, open communication, and mutual respect help us build a strong therapeutic relationship where you feel safe, supported, and empowered. I enjoy bringing a light-hearted demeanor into the therapy space. Therapy is serious work, but I find that humor helps bolster resilience and promote connection. By being able to notice and appreciate small, light moments we can more easily tackle the big ones.

What inspired me to become a therapist comes from both my professional journey and my personal understanding of how complex life can be. Over the years, I have worked in multiple healthcare and community-based settings, and across each of those environments, one thing became very clear: people are not just one problem or one diagnosis. Our experiences are shaped by a combination of emotional, relational, environmental, and even systemic factors. When those pieces are not addressed together, healing can feel incomplete or out of reach. I was drawn to therapy because it allows me to work in a way that honors the full picture of a person’s life. I believe deeply in a “whole systems” approach—where we explore not only what is happening, but why it is happening, how it connects to other areas of life, and what meaningful change can look like for you specifically. My goal is not just to help resolve a single concern, but to support a process where growth in one area begins to positively influence others. In addition, my own life experiences—including moments of navigating professional and personal challenges—have given me a strong sense of empathy and respect for the courage it takes to seek support. Therapy, to me, is a space where people can safely explore, rebuild, and move forward in a way that feels authentic and sustainable. Helping you feel genuinely heard is one of the most important parts of our work together. I approach this by creating a space that is intentional, unhurried, and centered around you. That means giving you the time to express yourself fully, without interruption, and without feeling like you need to filter or edit your thoughts. I use active listening throughout our sessions—not just hearing your words, but paying attention to underlying emotions, patterns, and meanings. I will often reflect back what I’m hearing and check in with you to make sure I’m understanding you accurately. This kind of back-and-forth dialogue helps ensure that your experience is not only acknowledged, but deeply understood. Research consistently shows that when clients feel heard, respected, and involved as active participants, they experience stronger engagement and better outcomes in care. Equally important, I strive to create a non-judgmental and inclusive environment where all parts of your identity and experience are welcome. Whether you are sharing something difficult, uncertain, or even hard to put into words, my role is to meet you with openness and respect. You are not just being listened to—you are being understood, validated, and taken seriously. Working together is a collaborative and evolving process. In the beginning, we spend time understanding what brings you in, what feels most important to you, and what you would like to change or explore. From there, we develop shared goals and a plan that reflects your needs, preferences, and pace. This might include structured approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, along with other evidence-based methods that align with your situation. As therapy progresses, sessions often involve exploring patterns, building insight, developing coping strategies, and practicing new ways of responding to challenges. There is also space for reflection, processing emotions, and making meaning of your experiences. Importantly, you are actively involved in shaping the direction of our work—we regularly revisit goals and adjust as needed. Building trust and a strong therapeutic alliance is something I approach with intention from the very first session. This includes being consistent, transparent, and respectful, as well as clearly outlining what you can expect from therapy. I also invite your feedback openly, so we can address any concerns and ensure that the process feels supportive and aligned for you. A strong therapeutic alliance—built on trust, collaboration, and mutual understanding—is one of the most important factors in successful therapy outcomes. This alliance is not something assumed; it is something we actively build together through open communication, shared goals, and a sense of partnership. My role is to create a space where you feel safe enough to be honest, supported enough to take risks, and empowered enough to make meaningful changes. I believe that therapy works best when the space feels human and relatable, so I will share small, lighthearted parts of who I am to help build connection. For example, I enjoy songwriting, spending time with my pets, gardening, and participating in community activities. These interests are meaningful to me because they bring balance, creativity, and connection into my own life. Sharing them can sometimes help create an easy point of connection and remind clients that while therapy is a professional space, it is also a genuine human relationship. Thoughtful and appropriate personal sharing can help strengthen rapport and trust, making it easier for clients to feel comfortable and engaged in the process. Ultimately, my goal is to create an environment where you feel both supported and at ease—where meaningful work can happen, but where you can also feel comfortable being yourself.

I work with young adults navigating anxiety, low self-esteem, stress, relationship issues, boundary issues, emotional overwhelm, and life transitions. I also specialize in postpartum/perinatal issues and supporting survivors of narcissistic abuse. My goal is to help you reconnect with your authentic self, strengthen your mind-body connection, and create a life aligned with your values. I believe you are the expert of your life, and therapy is a space to grow and deepen your self-exploration. My style is warm, compassionate, and collaborative. I act as a supportive guide using somatic therapy, mindfulness, ACT (values-based therapy), and family systems work. I don’t give quick advice—instead, we slow down and listen to your inner wisdom, building skills to support clarity, calm, and emotional resilience.

Many students have mental health concerns from time to time. We feel stuck or face certain challenges. Sometimes we know what’s wrong and other times, we have the nagging sensation that something feels “off.” It can be stress, anxiety, depression, or academic pressures. When we understand the causes of your troubles, we can alleviate your symptoms. And, when we do, you’ll feel renewed and be a better student, friend, romantic partner, son or daughter. When your desire for your own welfare overrules your limiting beliefs and negative self-talk, what you aspire to starts flowing into your lives—be it a relationship, academic success. Your manifestations become effortless, without internal strife and resistance.

Hello and welcome to my page! My name is Erlynn and I have a MSW, concentration in Individuals, Families and Groups from SFSU. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California since 2015. I received a BA in Psychology, emphasis in Clinical and Developmental Psychology from UCSC. I have 20 plus years of post-grad work experience in the mental health field, working with people who are from the LGBTQ+ community, have Stress and Anxiety, ADD/ADHD, ASD, Depression, Relationship Issues, and Coping with Life Changes. My specialties include: Trauma and PTSD, Separation and Loss, Self-Harm, Suicidal Ideation, Anger Management, Mood Disorders and Eating Disorders. I believe that the first step of healing is self-discovery and the development of personal goals to overcome challenges. My intentions are to instill hope and inspiration and to empower you to be able to move on. Remember that You are resilient and determined to change for the positivity. My purpose is to provide a safe zone and a non-judgmental environment. If you’re ready to talk, I’ll be here to support you.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am passionate about joining others on their journey towards healing and growth. Through my own experiences overcoming adversity and managing personal struggles, I became dedicated to pursuing a career as a therapist so that I can help others navigate their own difficulties. My goal is to create a non-judgmental and safe atmosphere in which you will feel comfortable exploring your own thoughts, emotions, and life experiences. I use a multi-model holistic approach, uniquely tailored to each individual. I am skilled in helping people cope with issues related to anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, and adjustment to life stressors. I have experience working with clients from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as the LGBTQ+ community. As a therapist, I prioritize your own personal goals and needs as you choose to express and address them. I have the utmost respect for the right of one’s self-determination. I provide undivided attention, thoughtful feedback, and hold a safe space for you to process whatever you would like to address. I am constantly aiming to ensure you feel empowered and comfortable to openly express your thoughts and emotions. This includes any changes that you would like from me and/or treatment. I consider rapport and therapeutic alliance as possibly the most important aspect of therapy and its effectiveness. I will meet you where you are at and proceed at your own pace. I am also transparent and welcome questions. I am open-minded, genuine, accepting, and deeply empathetic. I read each individual and explore whether you want to be challenged, given suggestions and ways to cope, or simply heard and validated. Therapy is an interactive experience in which you are the leader.

Hi, I’m Joanna — welcome in. As a trauma-informed therapist, I provide integrative psychotherapy, interweaving therapeutic methods including Somatic Experiencing® (SE™) and Internal Family Systems (IFS). My priority is building a relationship based on safety, trust, and respect, where you feel accepted and challenged to grow in new and meaningful ways. Together, we will blend conversation, mindfulness, and body-based practices to help you uncover your authentic self, challenge old patterns, and create space for new possibilities. An integrative approach to therapy means that you get support that is as unique as you are. I tailor my approach to create a holistic treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. Whether you're dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, or done trying to fit into a mold — I'm here to support you with warmth, intuition, and empathy.

Hello, and welcome. You are probably reading this because you are looking for someone who will get you—someone who can understand your struggles, offer a fresh perspective, and help you to move forward, letting go of the heaviness that you have been carrying. Maybe you have tried therapy before, or perhaps this is all brand new. Either way, finding the right therapist can be stressful. PAUSE A MOMENT. TAKE A DEEP BREATH. You are not alone. You can heal. You can experience joy and feel loved in your relationships and within yourself. I understand your struggle. I offer hope when you feel hopeless. I create a safe place for you to encounter your whole self with acceptance and compassion. My passions and specialties include working with people who are recovering from trauma, abuse, and unhealthy relationships and/or managing stress, depression, anxiety, chronic illness, grief, or loss. Contact me today for a free 15-minute consultation for counseling and let’s create a plan that will work for you

I was trained at Yale and Columbia University, and I was a Clinical Associate Professor (affiliate) at Stanford University for 15 years. Recently, the American Psychology Association bestowed me the Fellow status, an honor for outstanding contributions to the field of psychology in Clinical Psychology (Division 12). I am also a full Professor at the California School of Professional Psychology. I am very experienced in working with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds and on extremely challenging issues. In addition, I have trained and supervised hundreds of psychologists and therapists, including Ph.D. students and post-doctoral trainees in many universities and clinical settings.

I specialize in helping adults work through unresolved trauma, depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, problem gambling, hoarding, phobias, and grief. I also support clients with stress management and navigating life’s everyday challenges. I am trained in EMDR, NARM, and IFS and my approach is warm, supportive, and collaborative. I am licensed to provide telehealth services to clients in both California and North Carolina. I strive to create a nonjudgmental and caring environment where you can feel safe to explore what’s holding you back and begin moving toward meaningful change. Whether you're just starting your therapy journey or returning after time away, I’ll meet you where you are and tailor your treatment to your specific needs and goals. I’m passionate about this work because I have the privilege of walking beside people on their healing journey. Witnessing the shift from feeling stuck in painful patterns to gaining true freedom and self-understanding is something I never take for granted. Therapy isn’t about being “fixed”—it’s about being heard, seen, and supported as you grow and heal.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, non-judgmental, and action-oriented. I practice evidence-based treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). CBT focuses on changing problematic thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. DBT provides skills for regulating emotions and behaviors and improving relationships. Cultivating compassion can help you learn to face the challenges in your life with courage, wisdom, and kindness. I can help you improve well-being and life satisfaction and establish more compassionate relationships with yourself and others. In therapy together, I will listen closely and without judgment, helping you to uncover and pursue what you value most. I will help you change ingrained, self-defeating patterns and replace them with new, healthier ways of meeting needs. And I will offer you tools, support, and therapeutic techniques with your personal needs and preferences in mind.

Do you feel like life's obstacles have become too overwhelming? If so, you're not alone. I can help you overcome such obstacles. Through psychotherapy, I help individuals live happier, healthier and more productive lives. Breaking through your obstacles begins with you. Contact me and we start your journey toward wellness. I see individuals dealing with a wide variety of struggles ranging from depression, anxiety and trauma to trouble with relationships, multicultural issues and difficult life transitions. Even if don't see your particular issue listed, let's discuss your needs and goals for therapy, and I can refer if necessary.