Therapists for college students near UCLA
I became a therapist because I know what it is like to need extra support through life’s many curveballs. I became a therapist to give back, and am driven by the honor of getting to be a part of someone’s healing journey. I enjoy celebrating successes with my clients! I believe you are the most reliable narrator in your own story, and work with clients to promote empowerment in their own therapeutic experience. I work to create an authentic therapeutic space by utilizing humor, warmth, and collaboration. I empower clients to find answers within themselves and identify solutions that work to relieve their personal stressors. I guide clients to explore underlying thoughts and challenge themselves by emphasizing compassion and safety. I allow time for clients to ask any of their own questions they may have about myself or therapy in general and welcome feedback to ensure clients are receiving the best support possible. Outside of the therapy room, I’m a hobby ballerina! I also play Dungeons&Dragons. I am a firm believer in the importance of honoring our inner child through interests and play.
Early on, friends would often come to me for advice, and they told me I was a good listener. That made me curious about becoming a therapist. But once I started studying psychology, I realized therapy isn’t really about giving advice. It’s more about helping people explore their experiences, understand themselves better, and find their own solutions. Making sure you feel heard and understood is really important to me. One of the main ways I try to do that is by listening closely and reflecting back what I’m hearing, so we can check that I’m understanding you the way you intend. I’ll also ask questions to help clarify things and give you space to talk at your own pace. If at any point something I say doesn’t feel right or I misunderstand you, I really welcome you telling me so we can adjust together. My goal is for this to be a space where you feel comfortable sharing openly Building trust is really something that develops over time. My role is to create a space where you feel respected, not judged, and able to speak openly. I try to do that by listening carefully, being honest and consistent, and checking in with you about how our work together is feeling. If something isn’t working for you, we can talk about it and adjust. Therapy works best when it’s collaborative, so we’ll be figuring things out together. I really enjoy writing when I have the time and motivation for it. It’s something I’ve always found helps me think and reflect. Lately I’ve also been on a bit of a health kick—going on walks and taking some quiet time to myself. I’ve found it’s a really nice way to reset and clear my mind.
My name is Betel, and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist providing telehealth services to individual adults, adolescents, couples, and families living anywhere in the state of California. I practice a humanistic and existential form of therapy, in which the art of nonjudgmental self-awareness is central. Through a process of sustained, open curiosity, my clients learn to renew contact with what they have exiled within. This experience of returning to one’s whole human nature brings increased choice, responsibility, spontaneity to their lives. As a guide, I also use depth and process-oriented techniques from gestalt, somatic, and mindfulness traditions. Therapy is a relationship and a dialogue. I show up with a style that is gentle but honest, and full of reverence for all the light & shadow that make up a human life. I especially welcome those that are pursuing matters related to identity, creativity, or major life transitions.
I was drawn to becoming a therapist because I saw how meaningful it can be for people to have a safe, supportive space to talk openly and work through challenges. I really enjoy listening to others stories and helping them better understand themselves, their relationships, and their emotions so they can move toward positive change. I will work to make sure you feel heard and understood by really listening to you without judgement and taking your experiences seriously. I will reflect back what I am hearing to check that I’m understanding you accurately, and I will ask questions when I need more clarity rather than making assumptions. I also want you to know that your feedback matters, if at any point you feel misunderstood or something doesn’t sit right with you, I encourage you to tell me so we can adjust and make this space feel as safe and supportive as possible for you. Working together is very collaborative. We will move at a pace that feels comfortable for you, and we will focus on what matters most to you and what you would like to change or better understand about your life. Building trust takes time, and I see it as something we create together. I do that by being consistent, honest, respectful, and nonjudgmental, and by following through on what I say I will do. I will check in with you about how our work is going and invite your feedback so we can make sure this feels helpful and safe for you. My goal is for this to feel like a supportive partnership, where you can be open, ask questions, express concerns, and know that you are respected and taken seriously every step of the way.
Are you ready to make a change in your life? Is there a pattern you keep repeating in relationships that you want to let go of? Do you want to feel comfortable and happy in your own skin? Is your past affecting your present in debilitating ways you want to change? Your brain is naturally wired for change, the neuroplasticity in your brain allows you to form new neural connections breaking free of limiting beliefs. Therapy taps into this ability, and provides tangible skills for you to learn and connect to your own healing power. An experienced hand makes all the difference in healing and awakening to your best self. Specializing in trauma I’m holistic in my approach looking at the flow of energy in you as a whole being: Spirit, Mind, and Body. I interweave Mindfulness, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Attachment Focused Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (AF-EMDR) to fit your unique needs and together we take a journey to the possible.
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.
Call 818-927-0478 for a same day intake appointment with our office and therapy appointment in as little as 3 days. We are professionally trained in evidenced based practices that will help you maximize your full potential. We will provide you with enthusiastic support, an objective perspective and the insight that you need to feel supported and the best you that you can be. Our Mission at Find Your Balance Center At Find Your Balance, Center for Growth & Change, our mission is simple but powerful: to create a world where mental health is prioritized and accessible to all. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive — regardless of their background or financial circumstances. That’s why we proudly accept a variety of health plans, including Medi-Cal, ensuring that quality mental health care is not a privilege, but a right. Because when care is accessible, communities grow stronger. When mental health is prioritized, lives transform. Together, we’re building a culture where seeking help is a sign of strength — not limitation. We have over 45 clinicians to choose from. www.findyourbalancecenter.com
Heather Ward, MA, LMFT, PMH-C, is a licensed therapist with deep roots in college campus mental health, having provided counseling and wellness support across multiple higher education settings in the Los Angeles area. Trained at the University of Southern California's Rossier School of Education, Heather has worked at Pierce College, West LA College, and California State University, Northridge, where she managed large student caseloads, coordinated care with multidisciplinary campus teams, and developed workshops focused on building healthy relationships and emotional resilience. Heather brings a warm, collaborative style and a nonjudgmental presence to her work with students navigating depression, anxiety, identity shifts, and the pressures of academic life. She draws from attachment-based, psychodynamic, and mindfulness-oriented approaches to help clients build emotional regulation skills and strengthen their sense of self during pivotal life transitions. Earlier in her career, Heather also contributed to campus mental health from an administrative lens, developing and implementing strategic mental health and counseling initiatives at UCLA Extension — giving her a uniquely well-rounded perspective on how students are supported at an institutional level. Heather is committed to culturally sensitive, inclusive care and has experience supporting diverse student populations across community college and university settings.
I work best with students who might look like they have it together on the outside, but inside feel anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck. You might be dealing with school stress, burnout, relationship challenges, family conflict, or navigating individuation and identity as you figure out who you are and what you want. You may also be going through a big life transition. If you’re someone who wants a space to actually talk things through, feel understood, and also learn tools to manage what’s coming up day-to-day, we’ll likely be a good fit.
Find Your Balance, Center for Growth & Change Inc. Real support for real life—because college isn’t easy. Balancing school, work, relationships, and your future can feel overwhelming—and you don’t have to figure it out alone. At FYBC, we provide therapy that meets you where you are, whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, burnout, relationship challenges, or just feeling “off” and not sure why. We make getting started simple, with flexible scheduling, insurance options, and a team that truly understands the pressures students face today. Whether you need short-term support or a space to grow long-term, we’re here to help you build clarity, confidence, and balance in your life. You don’t need to wait until things get really bad to talk to someone. If something feels off, that’s enough. Please feel free to contact us directly for any questions at 818-927-0478 and send your referrals to this link: https://www.findyourbalancecenter.com/referral
We are trauma therapists who provide trauma-focused therapy through EMDR therapy, relational trauma therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), AEDP, and IFS. We work with BIPOC & AAPI students and international students who have a history of trauma or PTSD. If you are a student who is struggling with past or ongoing difficult family dynamics, a history of eating disorders, substance use issues, sexual assaults or abuse in childhood, or struggling with intimate relationships, friendships, and social relationships, please reach out. We can help! We help you process what happened so you are no longer stuck in the past or in pain.
To the strong ones, You’re the one everyone leans on—but who do you lean on when the weight gets too heavy? You’ve built a life around being the reliable one, the fixer, and the steady hand in every storm. Whether in your career or your family, you are the person with the answers, the one who 'carries it well.' But high-functioning isn't the same as high-flourishing, and the pressure to maintain that strong exterior has become a silent tax on your peace of mind. Being the 'strong one' is a lonely place to be. While you’re busy taking care of the world, your own needs have become an after-thought. You deserve a space where you don’t have to perform, hold the posture, or take care of anyone else. We specialize in working with high-capacity individuals who are ready to trade "performing strength" for authentic resilience. Our approach is a blend of deep empathy and direct, results-oriented insight. This is your sanctuary—a place to deconstruct the pressure to have all the answers and finally breathe. You’ve taken care of everyone else long enough. It’s time someone held the space for you. Contact us today to schedule your free 15 minute phone consultation.
* I'm licensed in Louisiana and California and would love to work with you virtually by FaceTime, Zoom, or phone. Reach out at 504-261-4443 (text) * I am in-network for many health plans for students from California through Headway Therapy. You only pay your copay through the portal. Start here: https://headway.co/providers/lisa-tahir-3?utm_source=pem&utm_medium=direct_link&utm_campaign=63753 * I am a Tulane Alum and teach in the Glass Art Department. * Check out my podcast, "All Things Therapy" on Spotify and iTunes * I've written a book on self-forgiveness and empathy endorsed by His Holiness The Dalai Lama, "The Chiron Effect: Healing Our Core Wounds through Astrology, Empathy, and Self-Forgiveness." Give me a text to 504-261-4443 to start your healing journey!
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.
I work best with students who are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or unsure of themselves while navigating school, relationships, work, or major life changes. You might be holding a lot together on the outside while feeling emotionally drained or stuck on the inside. If you’re looking for therapy that feels warm, supportive, and collaborative—where you can go at your own pace—we may be a good fit.
I am inspired by the resilience of the human spirit and the profound potential for growth and healing within everyone. Witnessing clients navigate challenges, uncover their strengths, and achieve breakthroughs is deeply fulfilling. The ability to make a meaningful impact by supporting individuals as they reclaim their lives and well-being drives my passion for this field. I’m also drawn to the ever-evolving nature of mental health care, where continuous learning and innovation allow me to grow alongside my clients. I prioritize creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves openly. Active listening is at the core of my practice—I strive to fully understand their experiences by reflecting, validating their emotions, and asking thoughtful questions. I also adapt my communication style to each client’s unique needs, ensuring they feel respected and seen. By fostering empathy and tailoring interventions to their individual stories, I make it clear that their voice and perspective are central to the therapeutic process. Trust is built through consistency, authenticity, and mutual respect. I show up as a genuine, compassionate presence, balancing professionalism with warmth and relatability. I also collaborate with clients, empowering them to take an active role in their therapy. By being transparent about the therapeutic process and celebrating their progress, I foster a sense of partnership. Over time, these elements come together to create a strong, trusting alliance that supports meaningful growth and healing.
About me I specialize in counseling for diverse college students, student-athletes, and working professionals in healthcare, business, engineering and scientific disciplines. I collaborate with clients to help them resolve anxiety, life transitions, work-life concerns, family or relationship conflict, bereavement, and trauma. My experience spans inpatient, community counseling, employee assistance (EAP), university counseling (CAPS), and D1 athletics settings. I have a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine GSEP, an MBA from Babson College, and completed advanced training in Sport Psychology, CBT, ACT, and IPSRT modalities. My Approach My practice helps high performers overcome the complex stressors of their profession and personal lives using an integrated wellness perspective that combines evidence-based therapy, sport psychology, and holistic mind-body interventions. Taking a person-centered approach that considers unique multicultural identities, I am passionate about helping clients realize their unidentified strengths and resiliency, so they can maximize their compassion at work, in their relationships, and in themselves.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience working with adults with depression, anxiety, work stress, self esteem and relationship issues.
If you’re feeling stretched thin as a parent, trying to adjust to a new culture, carrying trauma, or facing grief or a major life transition, this space is for you. I believe in the power of continuous growth—both for myself and for the people I work with. My hope is to support you on your journey of self-discovery as you work toward greater balance, healing, and fulfillment in your life. As a child of an immigrant family and a parent to three multicultural, multiracial children, I bring both professional training and lived experience into the therapy space. I understand firsthand the complexities of identity, belonging, and navigating multiple cultural worlds, and I strive to create a space where clients feel seen, respected, and understood. My lived experience as a BIPOC individual in a multicultural community informs my work and allows me to offer a space that offers cultural humility, empathy and openness. It takes courage to explore your story, and I honor that by creating a space where you can feel truly seen and heard. While my work is guided by proven methods like Trauma-Focused CBT and Motivational Interviewing, what that really means for you is a personalized experience focused on healing and resilience; we’ll work on gaining insight and building skills. I also believe in the healing power of a shared laugh; I often use humor to help us navigate the heavy moments with a bit more grace and perspective. My goal is to help you find lasting change and a deeper kindness toward yourself. I believe finding a community is essential for navigating life’s challenges. For me, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has been that vital mental health anchor for 13 years. Although training and coaching has been important, fostering the social connection and personal grit needed to stay mentally healthy has helped me through different life transitions.
