Therapists for college students near University of Southern California
From a young age, I've always loved and been curious about people. I've always felt connected to and interested in others and their experiences. It is a calling for me. After having both positive and negative experiences with therapists in high school, I was confident that this is what I wanted to do - what I was meant to do! I will actively listen to what they're sharing and ask clarifying questions as needed. I will be fully present with them in session, with the intention of understanding as much as possible their emotional experience, inner thoughts, etc. I may summarize and/or reflect back what I heard and ask if it feels accurate for them or if there are things I missed, misunderstood, etc. And lastly, I would simply ask them, "what makes you feel heard and understood? Is there anything that makes you feel misunderstood? How might I be able to tell if you're feeling misunderstood (outside of being told as much)? I see the therapy as a collaborative process, one where I walk alongside the client, not in front or above them. I may not have all the answers, but I am committed to helping in any way that I can. Building trust and a strong therapeutic alliance takes time, but I am patient. I will not rush the process or force you to share something you're not comfortable sharing (now or ever). Trust is build over time and the process will look different for each person, so it is important to consider individual differences, past experiences, interests, preferences, etc. when building the foundational trust and rapport. Lastly, it is imperative to me that I do what I say I will do, keep any promises I make, and if I make a mistake, I will apologize and do whatever I can to rectify it and facilitate repair.
Are you ready to take your life back? Has it felt out of control with recent changes or continued stressors/triggers that you just can't figure out how to manage? Is this impacting your job, your ability to complete schoolwork, your relationships, or perhaps other aspects of your life that are important to you? Let's work on this together. Reaching out for help may feel scary but I can help you stand in your power.
I'm Brooke Sundin, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and the owner of Light Minds Child and Family Therapy, a private practice based in Brentwood, Los Angeles. I work with college students and young adults adjusting to new responsibilities and the growing pressures of adulthood. The clients I work with are often dealing with anxiety, OCD, depression, self-esteem struggles, and the life transitions that come with this stage: starting or finishing college, moving to a new city, figuring out relationships, choosing a path, or grieving the version of life you thought you'd have by now. Some of what we work on is symptom-focused. A lot of it is bigger than that, like building a clearer sense of who you are and what you actually want. My approach is collaborative, interactive, and warm. Therapy can be a vulnerable space to step into, and I'm here to cheer you on along the way. I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all model, so I adjust my approach based on what you actually need. I draw on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness. I'm also certified in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) through the Yale Child Study Center, which I use when parents want to be part of the support system. I'm licensed in California, Florida, Utah, and Tennessee, and I see all clients via secure telehealth, which tends to work well for college students juggling class schedules, internships, and a life that doesn't sit still. Reaching out for support is one of the hardest steps, so thank you for considering me. If it seems like we could be a good fit, I'd be honored to learn more about your story and welcome you to the Light Minds family.
Well, hey there—I'm Dr. Bennett, but around here folks just call me Nick (or “mental health wingman” because you don’t have to do it alone). I'm a Licensed Psychologist, Kentucky born with a curious mind and raised on good manners, sweet tea, and the belief that everyone’s story matters. I’m also a pretty decent listener, and the guy who’ll gently call you out when you’re being your own worst enemy (with Southern Grace, of course). I take a no-nonsense, client-centered approach to therapy—meaning we do what works, not just what’s in the textbook. I pull from all kinds of fancy-sounding things like CBT, EMDR (that eye-wiggle therapy that actually helps), mindfulness, and clinical hypnotherapy, but don’t let the big words fool you—I’m not here to confuse you, I’m here to help you get unstuck. Think of it like a mental tune-up with someone who won’t judge you for crying and cussing in the same sentence. I’ve worked with all sorts of folks—teens who'd rather be anywhere else, adults juggling more than they can carry, and elders who've seen more than most of us can imagine. I’ve helped folks through depression, anxiety, trauma, phobias (yes, including critters and public speaking), and life’s lovely little curveballs. I’ve worked with families involved with Child Protective Services, and I’ve spent time supporting folks in nursing homes, where wisdom and sass often come in equal parts. I’ve also had the honor of working with survivors of sexual assault and folks in the LGBTQ+ community—spaces where safety, respect, and a little humor go a long way. Before all this therapy business, I served in the U.S. Army and later, Army National Guard, with two combat deployments. So, if you’re a veteran or military family, know that I speak the language—boots, bureaucracy, and all. After all, camouflage isn’t just a pattern; it’s a lifestyle. Therapy doesn’t have to be stiff and clinical. Sometimes it’s about laughing at the mess while working through it. When it comes to couples therapy, I use tools like the Gottman Method and emotionally focused therapy—basically helping y’all stop talking past each other and start actually hearing one another. I have also run group therapy programs that range from LGBTQ+ support and sexual assault recovery to anger management and domestic violence work. And nope, it’s not just people sitting in a circle saying, “I’m angry.” We get real, and sometimes even have a few laughs. Outside of therapy sessions, I also do psychological evaluations—for everything from disability claims to gender affirmation surgery prep to lawsuit support. It’s serious work, and I take it seriously—but I promise not to make it feel like you're on trial. I earned my PsyD from California Southern University, where my dissertation explored the link between toxic masculinity and sexual violence. (Spoiler alert: masculinity’s not the problem—toxic masculinity is.) My postdoc training happened in the redwoods of California and the hustle of D.C., so I’ve been around the block—and the mountains—and the monuments. If you're looking for a therapist who’ll shoot you straight, bring a little humor to the hard stuff, and treat you like a person—not a project—well then, you’ve found your guy. We’ll laugh, we’ll dig deep, and we might even change your life a little. Let’s get to work, y’all.
My work is collaborative, conversational and client-centered. Your goals are my goals, and understanding the values beneath those goals often drives my curiosity. Sometimes it can feel like different parts of us want different things or are even in conflict with each other. Understanding how to negotiate with these different parts - and to honor how and why they came to be - can help us find the agency to live lives of integrity, freedom, meaning, and connection.
My clients enjoy the warm rapport they have with me. I approach each client from a unique perspective as each client is unique. I collaborate with them to understand their needs and goals, and from there I create a treatment plan that is special for them. I believe that each client has a story that can be retold in a new way, and a story that is still being written, so the middle and ending can change as the client transforms. The approaches I use are a blend of cognitive-behavioral, narrative and humanistic, as well as various techniques from other theories (as appropriate for the client). The first step towards healing and living a fulfilling and enriching life is to reach out to those who can support you, and I'm always honored to provide that support to my clients. I want my clients acquire practical tools to use in between sessions so they can learn to become their own healer with time. If you feel like I could be the person to help you, please don't hesitate to contact me. Throughout my career, I've worked in different settings with many populations, including providing treatment to clients with depression, anxiety, addiction, Autism and other developmental disorders, relationship and family issues, issues of confidence, self-esteem and motivation, and I specialize in working with clients that are looking to find their path and purpose in life. In addition to being an MFT, I'm a certified yoga teacher and I promote an overall program of wellness through mental, physical & spiritual health and nutrition. Together, my clients and I create magic!
My perspective on wellness involves the whole person. The approach I take may involve the realms of physical, psychological, emotional, and social wellness, not just the alleviation of symptoms. We, as a team will work together to ensure your goals are met. Modalities towards wellness may expand beyond the office, to include being surrounded by nature, incorporating exercise, or facing new fears together. Always, with your success in mind. I work with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. I also conduct psychological evaluations and ADHD evaluations that may help to uncover issues and guide treatment. I am a Certified ADHD Professional, and have specialities in the areas of anxiety, sports performance, and I am also a certified personal trainer. Being born and raised in Hawaii, I value aloha and family. Whether you or someone you love may be going through a difficult time, I am here to help and will welcome you with open arms, just as I would my own family. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you!
I am a bilingual therapist helping individuals dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, life-stage transitions, and other debilitating situations. My work is client-centered and culturally sensitive. I use evidence-based practices to provide focused treatment and positive outcomes. I incorporate solution-focused, narrative, cognitive-behavioral, and family systems techniques. Through talk therapy, I guide clients to overcome issues affecting their everyday lives. I work with individual adults addressing depression, anxiety, and trauma, and their effects on mood, functioning, and relationships. I focus on your strengths, thoughts, feelings, and dynamics for a healthier you. I also work with the LGBTQ community on youth-at-risk issues, coming-out, and exploring the lifestyle you want to create.
We often feel trapped by our circumstances, voiceless in our relationships and powerless to cause significant change in our lives. But whether you are seeking individual, couples, or group therapy, you have taken a leap into the process of healing. With curiosity and a fresh perspective, I aim to empower you to reclaim your voice, work towards the change you seek, and to meet your authentic self. Though you have already taken the first step, I hope to foster the healing process even further by providing a deeply caring, non-judgmental atmosphere. It has been important for me to work with a wide breadth of clients. I have experience with diverse age groups, races, gender identities, and sexual orientations, and have worked in community mental health, residential treatment, school settings, and private practice. If you are are seeking a space to explore feelings connected to lack of motivation, avoidance, anxiety, low self-esteem, difficulty in platonic and romantic relationships, and feeling burnout from your current way of moving through the world, know that there is hope of having a different experience of yourself, your relationships and the world around you. Within working with a wide breath of clients, I have a passion for men’s mental health and working with young men and the issues that come up in their lives today. Through it all, however, my approach has always been focused on the human in front of me, and in meeting them where they are. I work with my individuals, couples and groups to help you gain a better understanding of yourself and your relationships. With a psychodynamic lens and a belief that as a species we all have the need to connect, I look forward to hearing from you to see how we may feel about working together.
Here at Rachel Wakeford Therapy, I realize that no two people are the same, and tailor my therapy to meet your specific needs as an individual. I love helping people understand the things that are holding them back with an in-depth approach. After recognizing underlying problems, clients can fully realize their strengths and adjust certain behaviors and thoughts to see things in a different, healthier way.
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!
My name is Erika Arias MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP, I believe that mental health treatment needs to be personalized so that individuals in need of help are provided with unstigmatized care, to be heard, validated, and treated like human beings. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for patients between the ages of 18-70 years old. I diagnose and treat significant depressive disorders, generalized anxiety disorders, PTSD, insomnia, schizophrenia, ADHD, OCD, and mood disorders and provide services in addiction medicine.
Using a compassionate and client-centered approach, I support each person in working toward their goals at a pace that feels right for them. I prioritize understanding what you want to get out of therapy and I work with you to develop a plan to get there. Insight is an important part of therapy, and I balance this with helping you find ways to actually see changes in your life and relationships. Working with me will feel like we are actually "getting somewhere". I describe my style as open-minded, warm and empowering. I also like therapy to feel like a natural conversation and my personality is naturally grounded and down to earth. Clients often share with me that I'm able to accurately capture and reflect how they are feeling, and they also appreciate my willingness to challenge their stuck points. My approach is all about supporting you in gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, while also finding the courage to change old patterns that are no longer serving you.
Attending college can be an incredible new experience, but it can also bring with it a whole host of new challenges and stressors. In my practice, I consider all facets of your life that contribute to your unique perspective and experience. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment in which to set goals, identify and process emotions, learn and practice healthy communication skills, deepen insight, expand your sense of self, and affect positive change in your life. We will collaborate and tailor your therapy sessions to fit your individual needs; I have experience working with individuals, couples, and groups on issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships, adjustment disorders, self-esteem, and trauma. I have a warm, practical style and am particularly oriented to helping you adjust to new stressors and life changes, both big and small.
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I combine a warm and direct approach with evidence-based practices (and a splash of humor) to help you unpack, examine, and rewrite the narratives in your life. Drawing from modalities such as Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Internal Family Systems, we will work to align your thoughts and actions with your values so that you can lead the life you want. I view relationships and identity development through the lens of attachment theory with the goal of helping you draw clear connections from the past to the present and into an expansive and joyful future. I know this is not easy, and take care to cater our work to meet your unique needs. I work with individuals, couples, and families, and have experience treating anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, attachment issues, self-esteem, identity development, medical diagnoses, and trauma. I work with members of the LGBTQIA+ community as well as nonmajority identified individuals. I especially enjoy working with families and individuals navigating creative blocks, pregnancy/postpartum, multicultural issues, and academic concerns. I earned a masters of science from the University of Oregon, where I received systems-based clinical training in a community counseling center, a school-based health center, and a group practice. In addition to my clinical training, I hold a masters of fine arts in Creative Writing from Oregon State University, where I also taught writing courses and worked as an academic advisor. I am a writer turned therapist who grew up in the Bay Area but spent a decade in the forests of Oregon. Raised in a Jewish South American family, I keep my culture alive through customs, food, music, and speaking Spanish whenever I can. When I’m not working, you can find me exploring the Ojai Valley while listening to This American Life, knitting hats for friends, and chasing my toddler around at the beach. Sessions are $150 for individuals and $175 for families and couples. I consider any session with minors to be family sessions as I believe this is the most effective way to treat kids and teens. As a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #144237 I work under the clinical supervision of Erika Morris, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #120118.
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When we think of art, we typically think of paintings, films, and music. But what about living life? Ancient Greek philosophers believed that living life is an art. They also thought that, with practice, we can learn to be better artists. I believe that to live well, to navigate the challenges and struggles of life in a way that is authentic to who we are and who we want to be, would be nothing short of creating a masterpiece. Just like there is no one right way to create art, there is no one right way to live life. I believe therapy is a collaborative process that aims to create art through the life we live. I work with people of all ages and cultures who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, family/relationship issues, and self-esteem issues, among other concerns. I also have extensive experience working with teenagers and young adults, especially those struggling with difficult life transitions, anger issues, and problematic video game/internet usage. Remember, there is no one right way to create art, but there is a way that works best for you. That is what we are working toward. If you are struggling with any of these issues, or you are the parent of someone who is, it would be my honor to schedule a free consultation session with you, learn more about you and your goals, and see if we are a good fit.
We specialize in Resiliency informed care. We believe that with the right environment and support from a healthy community of peers we can see radical change! It’s amazing when we discover our capacity and potential to heal. Our resilience is our superpower. We are here to support your journey and are happy to help in any way we can.