Therapists for college students near UCLA

Many struggle with anxiety and depression, and this is not uncommon. Whether it be nervousness, sadness, relational difficulties, or feeling like we aren't where we are "supposed to be" in life, there are many obstacles that cause us to feel "stuck." My job as a therapist is to help you get "unstuck" by aiding you in better understanding the underlying factors contributing to these difficulties, many of which are often rooted in thinking habits and relational patterns. My primary focus is on anxiety and depression, and how the combination of unhealthy thinking and unhealthy relational patterns cause us to feel anxious and depressed. I have additional training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) both of which are approaches proven to assist with anxiety and depression. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on the connection between how we think and our mood, and Interpersonal Therapy focuses on the connection between how we relate to others and our mood. I understand that you are busy, and therefore offer early morning and evening hours, and I am also available through telehealth. Many find telehealth convenient, as you can be anywhere in the state, and we can still meet.

As someone who has experienced mental health both in myself and my loved ones, I feel inspired to provide care that is comforting, compassionate, and free of judgment. I am driven by being a support to those who need it, helping you improve, and guiding you towards fulfillment and your goals. I ensure you feel heard and respected by creating a comfortable environment where, together, we can explore the uncomfortable. I value establishing trust with you and I allow each client to set their own pace while I compassionately move you forward. I practice a talk therapy approach with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy influences. I am proud of my ability to establish trust and a strong therapeutic alliance with my clients. I do this by using humor and empowerment while also utilizing a direct approach. I recognize how difficult vulnerability can be so I do my best to create an environment that feels safe and enjoyable. I enter each session without judgment as I want to honor you and your experiences. I prioritize you feeling comfortable while sharing your innermost thoughts so, together, we can put the pieces back together and fortify your mental space.

I’m a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. With over 9 years of experience in the field of mental health, I specialize in treating a wide range of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, stress management, and ADHD. I am inspired to work in mental health by helping others, seeing close friends struggle with their mental health silently, and the scientific aspects of psychiatry – combination of neuroscience, psychology, and pharmacology offers unique and intellectually stimulating challenges. Ultimately, it’s about making a meaningful impact on people’s lives and contributing to their recovery and well-being. My approach is centered on understanding you as a whole person. I believe that effective mental health care goes beyond symptoms and diagnoses. By listening to your unique story, exploring your individual strengths, and collaborating on personalized treatment plans, we can take steps toward a brighter, more balanced future. All psychiatry providers at Foresight have specialized experience in treating a wide range of common mental health conditions, including but not limited to ADHD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, depression, and PTSD. In addition, I specialize in the following areas: grief, men’s issues, racial identity, deprescribing

Change is within reach. Are you struggling with burnout, anxiety, or depression? Do you feel trapped or overwhelmed by difficult emotions? Change is possible if you’re yearning for a shift in your life. I specialize in guiding individuals through transformative journeys, helping them break free from limiting patterns and heal past wounds that stand in the way of fulfillment. In my therapy sessions, you’ll find a safe haven—an open, compassionate, judgment-free space. Together, we’ll explore your inner world, uncover hidden truths, and develop new coping skills. Your authentic self awaits. My areas of focus include anxiety, childhood trauma, relationship challenges, women’s issues, and existential concerns. I help clients reclaim their vitality to live peaceful, heart-centered lives. My work with women centers on empowering them to embrace self-worth and inner strength. I utilize EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, and Hakomi Mindfulness techniques. I offer a holistic, personalized approach that integrates body, mind, and spirit. Certified in Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy, I work with ketamine (KAP) and offer preparation and integration sessions for medicine journeys with psilocybin, MDMA, and ayahuasca. Reach out today to schedule a complimentary phone consultation.

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I love to watch the process of personal growth and transformation, knowing that my support supplements the hard work clients put into being the best version of themselves that they can be. I learn from my clients while they learn from me, and I am honored to enter into clients’ unique worlds. I hope to impact my clients by providing them the compassion and nonjudgmental presence that they deserve, along with the coping skills and insight that will help them face future challenges with strength and wisdom. My therapeutic inspiration comes from a variety of perspectives and sources: Aaron Beck (cognitive-behavioral therapy), Susan Johnson (Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapy), Carl Jung (classic analysis), Daniel Siegel (neurological growth and attachment), Gabor Mate (trauma, addiction, and attachment), and Murray Bowen (family systems theory). This list will continue to grow as I do- like yours, my journey and growth is a work in progress. I enjoy working with clients in emerging adulthood (approximately age 16 to 26). This is an exciting period of life, where identity is solidified and major life decisions are made (education, career, relationships). Another population I have had a lot of success with is adult survivors of childhood abuse and neglect, as I use a trauma-informed approach. I am open and respectful of various religious and spiritual communities, understanding that this may be a source of strength and identity for a client, or a source of tension and pain as a client questions their faith background. Previously, I provided therapy at a non-profit agency in the San Fernando Valley of Southern California, where I had the honor of walking alongside at-risk youth and their families on paths toward functional and adaptive mental and relational health. I also have experience in various school-based settings, where I provided frequent on-campus crisis management as well as on-going counseling services as part of students’ Individualized Education Plans. Gaining a deeper understanding of youth and the struggles they face gave me a richer and more holistic view of the adults they become.

For years I navigated the fast-paced world of tech, a path that provided stability but left a nagging sense of yearning. Through attending therapy myself, I began a long journey of self-discovery to finally recognize the person I truly wanted to be. This wasn’t just about a career change; it was about uncovering the voice I’d kept hidden and the connections I craved. Now, my passion lies in helping clients embark on their own journey to become their most authentic self. My goal is to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment in which clients can explore their thoughts and feelings freely. Whether you are contending with overwhelming emotions, seeking to improve your relationships, or struggling with a difficult life transition, I am here to help guide you towards greater understanding and resilience. With a compassionate and evidence-based approach, I am confident that we can work together to help you achieve your goals and lead a more fulfilling life. As a therapist, I leverage Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to empower clients to manage their emotional and behavioral struggles. During sessions, we will collaboratively identify unhelpful thinking patterns that contribute to negative emotions or problematic behaviors. We will then explore the evidence for and against these thoughts, fostering a more balanced and realistic perspective. My approach is grounded in meeting each individual where they are on their journey toward healing and growth. My background in traditional work environments allows me to uniquely connect with professionals and students facing work stress, burnout, or career dissatisfaction. Being a former video game developer who stays current on the latest trends, I also find that I easily connect with kids, young adults and teens.

I help teens and young adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, stress management, self-criticism/perfectionism, and improving communication and relationships. I apply multiple techniques including CBT and mindfulness practices.

Since I could remember, I knew that I wanted to be in a field that would give me the opportunity to help others. I chose to be a psychology major for many reasons but one of them is because I found psychology very interesting and fascinating. I also discover that being genuinely interested in people, wanting to help and having the ability to easily connect with others were strengths that would help me in my journey of being able to help others. I have a passion for helping clients enhance their personal strengths, develop coping skills for them to thrive during difficult times, life transitions and needed change. One of the most important thing for me as a therapist is on providing a safe environment to my clients. I do it by being genuine, empathetic and compassionate. I also use actively listening to really understand the client’s perspective on their situations, and also what they want out of treatment. One question that I found important is to ask my client about their previous experiences in therapy and what was something that they did not like or liked in order to understand more what they might need from out therapeutic relationship. I like working collaboratively with my clients to build healthier relationships with themselves and others. I truly believe that people are the experts of their lives. Using compassion, active listening, kindness and a collaborative approach has helped my clients feel safer in our sessions while working together. When leaving our sessions, clients will have a roadmap for their healing and personal development journey. Through out our work together, clients will feel empower, motivate and hopeful that they can improve and achieve their treatment goals.

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Marc is a seasoned clinician who uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in his work with clients. CBT focuses on exploring relationships among a person's thoughts, feelings and behaviors. During CBT Marc actively works with clients to uncover unhealthy patterns of thought and how they may be causing self-destructive behaviors and beliefs. By addressing these patterns, the client and Marc work together to develop constructive ways of thinking that will produce healthier behaviors and beliefs. For instance, CBT can help clients replace thoughts that lead to low self-esteem ("I can't do anything right") with positive expectations ("I can do this most of the time, based on my prior experiences"). The core principles of CBT are identifying negative or false beliefs and testing or restructuring them. Oftentimes clients being treated with CBT will have homework in between sessions where they practice replacing negative thoughts with more realistic thoughts based on prior experiences or record their negative thoughts in a journal. Studies of CBT have shown it to be an effective treatment for a wide variety of mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and schizophrenia. Individuals who undergo CBT show changes in brain activity, suggesting that this therapy actually improves your brain functioning as well. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has a considerable amount of scientific data supporting its use.

Do you struggle with feeling disconnected from yourself and others? Do you put your needs at the bottom of the to-do list? Do you wonder if life should feel somehow better? Happier? Now more than ever, people are feeling anxious, overwhelmed and uncertain about how they are supposed to manage their relationships, careers and their lives. Pushing away your needs and not taking time for yourself can lead to long-term issues for your mind and body. We believe it shouldnʼt be so hard to live a better life. At Waterside Psychology, we offer a custom approach for each of our clients! We start with understanding where you are now and the challenges you are facing. We help you put a plan in place to help you move forward, and we celebrate your successes along the way. We offer an inclusive, safe space with virtual appointments to suit your schedule. Helping people live better lives is our passion! Whether it's setting boundaries, grieving a loss, navigating a life transition, or changing a behavior that keeps you stuck, we help you feel better so you can live the life you've dreamed of. Contact us for a free consult and we’ll get started on your journey together!

Other than helping others create change and learn to love themselves because they deserve to, I want to help others understand themselves on a deeper level. In my professional experience, I see how much clarity and knowledge about ourselves can foster our relationships within ourselves and with others. I ensure that my client feel heard and understood by providing an affirming, open minded, and empathetic approach. I find it important to actively listen to my clients and paraphrase or summarize what they had said to make sure I heard them right. I create a non-judgmental and encouraging space that allows for my clients to open up and express themselves authentically.

I'm Zack, a clinical therapist specializing in evidence-based treatment for children, teens, and adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders: social anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic attacks, specific phobias (fear of heights, flying, animals, etc.), body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs): hair pulling, skin picking, nail/lip/cheek biting, & attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). I earned my master's degree in social work from Widener University and my bachelor's degree in psychology from Pennsylvania State University. Outside of my practice, I enjoy spending time with family, golfing, playing video games, and following my favorite sports teams. Over the past decade, I’ve worked within various healthcare systems, specializing in OCD, anxiety-related conditions, BFRBs, ADHD, and depression. I am certified in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) through The Beck Institute, a rigorous process involving many hours of training and consultation with clinical psychologists specializing in CBT. I am certified in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and have received extensive training and consultation through the University of Pennsylvania Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety (CTSA). I am a member of the International Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Foundation (IOCDF). I have also received specialized training in Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) Treatment, Habit Reversal Training (HRT), & Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I have held leadership roles including Director, Manager, and Supervisor of Behavioral Health across multiple healthcare systems. These experiences have provided me with a deep understanding of workplace stress and burnout, making me especially attuned to the needs of professionals navigating high-demand environments. In addition to my private practice, I work as a Behavioral Health Clinician in the Emergency Room at Main Line Health System, providing psychiatric crisis assessments and support to individuals and families during some of their most vulnerable moments. I also teach CBT to physician residents within the Psychiatry Program, sharing evidence-based strategies to support mental health care in various settings.

If you need help navigating your emotional experiences and building emotional resiliency around your responses to stress, trauma, anxiety, and relationships, then you’re in the right place. In my sessions, we clarify thought processes, analyze your body's responses to triggers and work towards confronting difficult emotional experiences that may be negatively affecting your life. I specialize in working with college students, young professionals, graduate students, adults, and couples, and have experience working with panic disorder, anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief, and more. I specialize in EFT and work from a process-oriented Attachment-Based framework to help people understand their behaviors, emotions, and ways of relating.

I work best with students who may be feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or unsure of themselves and are looking for a safe place to talk. Many are dealing with anxiety, low mood, past experiences, low self-esteem or challenges with friendships, school, or family, and want support in figuring things out. They’re often ready to better understand themselves, learn ways to cope, and feel more confident in their daily lives. In our work together, I offer a warm, supportive, and culturally affirming space where you can be yourself without fear of judgment. We’ll take things at your pace while building practical tools and helping you feel more in control, connected, and supported.

College can be overwhelming; between the demands of classes, figuring out your future, family expectations, friendships, dating, and finding yourself, it’s a lot. If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or just not like yourself, you’re not alone. I specialize in working with college students navigating identity, family pressures, mental health challenges, and cultural expectations. I have particular expertise in working with Asian American and BIPOC students, helping them explore the unique experiences that come with balancing cultural identity, family expectations, and personal well-being. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, or communication struggles, I provide a space where you can be heard, understood, and supported. Therapy isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about exploring what’s going on, gaining tools, and feeling more at ease. If you’re ready to talk, I’m here to help.

You’ve taken the first step towards healing, which is often one of the most difficult. Thank you for being vulnerable and allowing me into your space. The world changed, and so did all of us…and that is okay! I am here to partner with children, teens, young adults, adults, and couples towards achieving healing and fulfilment, however that may look to you. My You-Centered approach places you at the helm of your journey, as we use cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological System, and other mindfulness management strategies to transform this moment. Together, we will combine these theories when discussing matters concerning goals/aspirations, relationships, interpersonal struggles, depression, self-esteem, executive functioning, stress management, phobias and fears, and substance use concerns.

I enjoy helping college students and adults who suffer from mental health and/or substance abuse problems. I am a highly effective leader who personalizes the care of each client. I offer my clients a highly personalized approach which typically includes spiritual, Buddhist, Mindfulness, and/or secular, Western, approaches (ACT, CBT, DBT) of therapy. I am extremely well versed in 12 Step and SMART approaches to recovery from alcohol and drugs. Clients needing help with managing emotions, relationships, and meeting their goals through private, individualized care and goal setting will find me most helpful. I work, live and volunteer in San Diego and throughout CA.

I am a CA-based therapist providing virtual therapy for LGBTQ+ teens and young adults with depression. I take an individualized and depth-based approach, following each client's lead and exploring how past relationships and experiences impact the present and future. I excel with first-timers to therapy, as well as folks who have been in therapy before and found the worksheet- and skills-based approaches unhelpful.