Therapists for college students near University of Southern California

Welcome! Bienvenidos! I'm Maria Cabrera a bilingual (Spanish), Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in the field of Social Work assisting children, youth and families. I am passionate about working with individuals to help them restore hope, find solutions, and sense of self-worth. You don't have to feel "stuck" prioritizing mental health is the key to a happy-balanced life! "What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation." - Glenn Close My expertise is in treating Anxiety, Depression, life transitions, stress management, and childhood trauma. I enjoy clients who appreciate honesty, challenge, and having someone point out the positives while keeping them accountable. I have a very honest, client centered and compassionate approach. While working collaborative through life's challenges I offer a safe space, free of judgment; a space to heal, feel empowered to create meaningful lasting change. If this speaks to you, please feel free to reach out, you are not alone!

Are you seeking to regain control of your thoughts and emotions? Have you ever felt misunderstood, overlooked, or isolated? Witnessing the effects of racism, loss, abuse, and social injustices on individuals and families, I understand the long-lasting consequences of mental and emotional distress. Through my diverse life experiences in society, schools, work environments, social settings, and beyond, I have developed a unique insight and understanding of individuals and families. I am a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist who has a great passion for helping individuals, couples, and families manage their stress, depressive symptoms, and injustice they experience in our society. I provide a customized approach to my therapeutic interventions because I believe that one size does not fit all. I will work with you to develop a plan together and support you in reaching your goals. I offer a holistic, safe space with virtual appointments to accommodate your schedule. Supporting people on their healing journey and helping them live an enhanced life is my passion. This may involve setting healthy boundaries, processing and working through grief and debilitating feelings, or changing your irrational thoughts that negatively affect your behavior and experiences. I aim is to assist you on your journey of self-healing. I believe that we all deserve to live a joyous and fulfilled life. Many of the stressors in life can create a host of negative feelings, reactions, behaviors, and symptoms. In our society, there is great injustice that happens regularly and because of that many communities suffer in silence because they are not accepted. As a Black and Samoan woman, I have experienced first hand, the racial and gender hate crimes that used to cause me immense stress where I fell into a deep depression. Through my own therapy, I learned positive ways to manage my overwhelming thoughts and feelings while validating myself and my experiences. I no longer suffer from anxiety and my depressive symptoms are easier to handle, I also practice mindfulness everyday for overall wellbeing. We all belong and are all worthy. Healing is not linear, but it is possible! If you want to learn more about how I can be of assistance to you, feel free to send me a message.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Many of the students I work with feel overwhelmed by their thoughts, anxious about the future, or stuck in patterns they can’t seem to break. Some deal with intrusive thoughts, constant worry, or panic that gets in the way of school, relationships, or sleep. Others are coping with past experiences, burnout, or the pressure to “keep it all together.” I offer a space where you don’t have to pretend you’re fine. Together, we slow things down, understand what’s happening in your mind and body, and build tools that help you feel more grounded, confident, and in control of your life.

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’m Ononuju “Uju” Nwachie, a compassionate and dedicated Nurse Practitioner specializing in psychiatric and family health care. I understand that navigating mental health challenges can feel overwhelming, and I want you to know that you’re not alone. Whether you’re dealing with depression, postpartum depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder, I’m here to support you with care that is evidence-based and deeply personal. I deeply understand the challenges of mental illness and I am committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you can feel heard and supported. My goal is to collaborate with you, ensuring that the medications we consider are ones you feel comfortable with. Rather than simply directing your treatment, I aim to create a partnership where your preferences and concerns are at the forefront of our discussions. Your journey is important, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Hi, my name is Nathalie Torres and I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My focus is working with individuals who are struggling with OCD, emetophobia (fear of vomit), anxiety, and hair or skin picking. I use evidenced-based approaches like ACT, ComB, and ERP. I am also certified in CBT as well. But beyond my clinical training my style is very down to earth and casual. I prioritize having real honest conversations and building genuine connections. I am deeply passionate about helping individuals who are navigating college. It can be an exciting time but also feel very overwhelming. It is a lot to manage as it is a time that inevitably comes with big life changes. I would love to help you in your journey of making sense of it all and most importantly, feel more grounded along the way. I offer virtual sessions, making therapy accessible. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions, I’d love to connect.

Hi! I am a MFT licensed in California. I enjoy working with adolescents and young adults. My specialities are stress and depression management. I am someone that will confront you on the things you do not see (or may not want to see). I will teach you how to manage stress. I will teach you how to live with depression. I advocate for you and I PUSH YOU. If we do not end up being a good fit, I will refer you. All sessions are virtual or over the phone! Accepting clients in CA only. Availability: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays mornings and midday. IMPORTANT: I can only work with you if you create a profile on growtherapy.com. This is where I will bill for sessions. Please confirm I accept your insurance.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

College is hard enough — your relationships don't have to be. Between classes, work, and extra curricular events, navigating relationships on top of everything can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re going through a breakup, stuck in the same fight with your partner, or just feeling confused about where things are headed, relationship therapy can help. I offer a supportive, judgment-free space where you can talk about the messy stuff, understand yourself better, and gain insight into your relationship patterns. Let’s work together to help you feel more confident in yourself and your relationships. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Contact me today for a free consultation.

Many of my clients come to me feeling overwhelmed, defeated, stuck, anxious, and stressed. Whether it's academic pressure, relationship struggles, or uncertainty about the future, I provide personalized support to help them build confidence, reduce stress, and create lasting change. Using tools like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), we’ll explore their thoughts, feelings, and past experiences in a safe and comfortable way. My goal is to help clients break free from negative thinking, build self-esteem, and find more stability in both their personal and academic lives. Whether clients are dealing with burnout, feeling lost, or need to regain control, I’m here to support clients in creating the life they want and deserve.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I was inspired to become a therapist through my genuine interest in understanding people and supporting them during difficult moments in their lives. I’ve always believed that with the right support, insight, and compassion, people are capable of growth and meaningful change. Being a therapist allows me to walk alongside others as they navigate challenges, discover their strengths, and work toward a life that feels more balanced and fulfilling. I focus on creating a space where you feel safe, respected, and genuinely listened to. I do this through active listening, asking thoughtful questions, and reflecting back what I hear to ensure I understand your experiences accurately. I also check in regularly to make sure our work feels helpful and aligned with your goals. Therapy is collaborative, and your voice guides the process. My role is to support you with curiosity, compassion, and consistency so you feel heard and understood throughout our work together. Working together looks collaborative, supportive, and paced to your comfort level. We start by building trust through consistency, transparency, and respect, making sure you understand the process and feel safe asking questions or sharing feedback. I work to create a nonjudgmental space where your experiences are honored, and we move at a pace that feels right for you. Over time, trust grows as you feel heard, supported, and see our work align with your goals and needs.

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.

I’m Rachel Benjamin, and I help individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges to build more authentic, connected, and empowered lives. Together, we’ll identify the patterns and barriers that have been holding you back and work toward lasting change around your strengths and values. If you are thinking about starting therapy, or returning after some time away, but feeling unsure, you’re not alone. Taking that first step can bring up a mix of emotions. If you’re wondering whether now is the right time, it likely means you’re ready to begin exploring meaningful change. You may be feeling stuck, disconnected, or uncertain about your next steps. Perhaps your relationships, career, or daily routines no longer feel fulfilling. You might notice a tendency to prioritize others’ needs over your own, or find yourself longing for a deeper sense of purpose and connection. Therapy is a process of self-discovery and growth. It’s not always easy especially if you’ve spent years living according to others’ expectations but you don’t have to navigate it alone. I’m currently accepting new clients for both individual and couples therapy. If you’re curious about how therapy might support you, I invite you to reach out.

Danielle Cooper, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of the Center of Behavioral Therapy and Consultation for OCD and Anxiety. Dr. Cooper has unique expertise in evidence-based cognitive-behavioral treatments for OCD, PTSD, and anxiety-related disorders, having trained and worked alongside internationally recognized leaders in the field as a former Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania. She has extensive experience working with college students struggling with anxiety and perfectionism. Drawing upon her clinical expertise, research knowledge, and experience, Dr. Cooper provides the most potent and effective treatments available for OCD, PTSD, and anxiety. She also specializes in brief evidence-based cognitive behavioral interventions for insomnia and nightmares. Dr. Cooper currently offers telehealth appointments to patients in PA, NJ, and CA. Prior to founding CBTCOA, Dr. Cooper was an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at the world-renowned Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety (CTSA) in the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. Cooper also established and was the Director of the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for OCD. While at CTSA, she was involved in clinical work, administration, supervision, teaching, research and consultation. Dr. Cooper received her B.A. in Psychology from Bucknell University and M.A. in Psychology from Boston University working at the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (CARD). She then worked as a clinical research coordinator at the Boston VA. Dr. Cooper obtained her M.S. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Ohio University. She completed her clinical internship at the Ann Arbor VA and her post-doctoral fellowship at CTSA. Dr. Cooper has worked in various clinical settings, such as in an academic medical center, a university counseling center, a community mental health center, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, multiple VA medical centers, and private practice. She has received extensive training from leading experts in the field on the assessment and treatment of OCD, PTSD, and anxiety-related disorders. She is a certified clinician, consultant, and supervisor in Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) for PTSD and Exposure and Response Prevention (EXRP) for OCD.

Anxiety, depression and trauma can have a ripple effect throughout your whole life felt far beyond the obvious symptoms themselves. Perhaps you experience a paralyzing level of perfectionism ruled by lists and tasks or maybe you overschedule yourself to avoid thinking and feeling. Trauma can manifest itself in many ways and can have a significant impact on your daily life. In my practice, I specialize in working with young adults, individuals with childhood trauma and adult survivors of sexual and gender based violence with a focus on navigating daily life, relationships and boundaries to overcome these difficulties. I utilize a trauma informed approach and empower clients to be the expert of their own experience. My role is to provide the tools and support needed to reach collaboratively set goals. I pull from various evidence based practices to create a unique treatment approach for each client. Additionally, I'm in training to be an AASECT certified sex therapist. While I speak German, Armenian and Farsi, all services are provided in English. Therapy is a unique and highly vulnerable environment that can be intimidating to navigate at first. I am happy to schedule an initial free 15 minute consultation call to discuss your concerns and to determine if I am the best fit for your needs.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Seeking therapy is a brave step. Whether you are presently in crisis or simply feeling a bit stuck in life, I honor the effort and courage that it took you to get here. Even a cursory, online search for a therapist indicates a commitment to your mental health. It also suggests that—regardless of how you might feel in this moment—some small (or large) part of you believes in the possibility of a more peaceful, fulfilling life. As a therapist, I am here to not only affirm and amplify that belief, but more importantly, to help you discover and define its reality for yourself. I work with individuals, couples and complex relational structures utilizing a collaborative, person-centered approach. I have experience working with folks of many ages, backgrounds, and genders, and I am especially passionate about working with people who are looking to explore issues around sexuality. ​ I am currently accepting new therapy clients at this time via telehealth. I use a secure web based platform that allows us to communicate with video, so if you’d like to reach out please do! I look forward to connecting with you!

Hi! I'm a therapist specializing in anxiety, childhood emotional neglect, trauma, and grief/loss. My clients often come to me feeling stuck, disconnected from themselves, or emotionally dysregulated. Our sessions will be a space where you can slow down and check in with yourself - whether that means getting curious about your past, processing the week, exploring practical tools/coping strategies, or simply allowing yourself to exhale and just be. As a biracial Black and Taiwanese American raised in Taiwan, I understand how culture can can shape our upbringing and sense of self. I use an approach that blends talk therapy with somatic (body-based) practices in order to address your symptoms from multiple angles. Our work together will be shaped by your background, values, needs, and goals. Please feel free to call or email so I can check your session cost with insurance, and/or use the link below to book a free phone consultation. I'm looking forward to connecting with you! https://calendly.com/monicaashley07/30min