Therapists for college students near University of Southern California

Welcome to The Feeling Space! My name is Danielle Golan, M.A., LMFT #134068 and I am a Licensed Psychotherapist that specializes in anxiety, trauma (PTSD and C-PTSD), and relationship issues. I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Brainspotting, two somatic modalities that help process trauma and experiences on a brain and body level. I often also use psychodynamic theory (Carl Jung), mindfulness, and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). I am an LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapist that works with individuals, couples, and families. I also have incredible associates that specialize in life transitions, career anxiety, perfectionism, parenting, athletes, neurodivergence, poly/enm relationships, gender-affirming care.

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.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner practicing in San Diego and through telehealth in the state of California. My approach to mental health involves the whole person, and we work together to focus on all aspects of life and health–emotional, social, and physical. In addition to training in psychiatric care, my background in social work, perinatal health, and sexuality education enriches my perspective and the care I provide. We will address lifestyle factors (sleep, exercise, diet, etc.) that, in addition to medication and therapy, impact a person’s overall well-being and mental health. I develop collaborative treatment plans with you and treat a broad range of conditions, with a particular interest in anxiety, depression, perinatal mental health, ADHD, PTSD, and affirmative mental healthcare for gender-expansive and trans folks.

I’m an Associate Clinical Social Worker currently practicing in Los Angeles. I am able to work with clients in California and Connecticut. I have had the privilege of working with teens, adults, parents and families who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and beyond. My heart lies in providing care that's not just effective, but deeply compassionate. As a mother of two and experience working in residential treatment for adolescents, I have experienced firsthand the challenges that parents face from pregnancy, toddlerhood, and adolescence. My priority is to create a safe space for exploration and growth by making you feel seen, heard, and understood. Through the use of empathy, non-judgement, compassion, and curiosity, I support my clients in exploring challenges, patterns, and transitions in their lives allowing them to gain a deeper awareness of who they are and who they strive to be. Collaboratively identifying goals with my clients allows for a personalized approach tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. Together we will explore and address underlying sources of distress, practicing mindfulness and self-compassion, and fostering healthy connections and boundaries in relationships. I am passionate about empowering my clients to take proactive steps toward enhancing their well-being and achieving greater fulfillment in their lives.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hey! I’m Afshin — pronounced “of-sheen,” like the glimmer in your eye when you realize you're allowed to feel your feelings and still be funny about it. Looking for someone who’s real, queer, neurodivergent-friendly, and actually shows up in the room with you? I’m really glad you’re here. I work with new parents running on crumbs and caffeine, teens navigating identity and pressure, young adults facing messy transitions, and LGBTQIA+ folks tired of translating their experience for people who just don’t get it. I pull from Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic, DBT, CBT, and Solution-Focused approaches — but mostly, I bring curiosity, honesty, humor, and a human-first vibe. I don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” healing. Some weeks we’re untangling trauma; other weeks, we’re celebrating tiny wins — like eating a real meal or setting a boundary without the shame. My core values? Radical kindness, transparency, and the belief that being “too much” is a damn superpower. If you’re craving therapy that feels like a mix between a grounding conversation and a gentle push toward who you actually want to be — let’s talk. I’m here when you’re ready.

If you want to learn skills to cope with anxiety and depression, then this is the place for you. I specialize in supporting young adults navigate the complex layers of generational trauma. I use a client-center approach and when appropriate, we’ll incorporate holistic practices or collaborate with other health professionals like doctors and nutritionists. By integrating therapeutic techniques, I aim to help balance the weight of your cultural heritage with the demands of a new world; honoring your past while building your future.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hi there! I am Janna Spiegel, an LCSW with over 5 years of experience supporting college-aged women like you navigate life's twists and turns. Whether you're adjusting to campus life, facing relationship hurdles, grappling with the pressure of future choices, or feeling overwhelmed by anxiety and stress – I'm here to help you find your footing and thrive. I use a warm, empathetic approach, creating a safe space where you can explore your challenges without judgment. We will work together to understand your unique experiences and develop practical solutions that empower you to take control. I use a combination of solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral strategies and a client-centered approach, tailoring each session to your specific needs and goals. We'll work on building resilience, managing stress, navigating relationships, and making choices that align with your values and goals. Whether you are navigating through homesickness, academic pressures, career dilemmas, or relationship challenges, I offer a non-judgmental space, where you will have the opportunity to delve into your experiences without reservation. I am here to serve as your guide, be your biggest supporter, and your collaborator on your journey towards a rewarding college experience and a promising future.

Hi, I am Anna McDonald. I am a licensed clinical social worker specializing in assisting individuals and couples to work through life's conflicts. I do so through a multi-faceted approach, focusing first on the unique strengths of my clients and then collaborating with them to be empowered and move through these challenges. Therapy with me is more than just, “How does that make you feel?” and nodding my head. Instead, I am an individual working to empower my clients with research-based knowledge to improve their life conditions.

Anxiety, sadness, loneliness, low self-esteem, self-doubt, distress, difficulty sleeping and discomfort in our bodies are indicators that we need support. I am passionate about helping clients navigate difficult transitions, using these challenges as catalysts for healing and growth. With over 25 years of experience in various therapeutic modalities, I provide client-centered and trauma-responsive therapy grounded in compassion and empathy. It is a privilege to guide clients in processing and integrating past and present experiences. I employ Internal Family Systems (IFS) "parts work" (an approach that helps us understand and heal from past experiences by identifying and addressing different parts of our psyche), attachment theory, EMDR and Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT).

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.

Genesis (Gene) Vasconez is a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in mental health care. She aims to improve the health and wellness of her patients by partnering with them and their care teams. She addresses challenges related to mental health disorders, including addiction, by following a trauma-informed model. She approaches each session to foster trust by listening to her patients and ensuring they have a choice and voice. Cultural humility, acceptance, safety, and compassion are at the core of her care. Gene received her bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry from San Francisco State University and her nursing and master’s degree from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). She has been a part of multiple research studies focusing on addiction, psychotic disorders, suicide, and depression. She also teaches nurse practitioner students at UCSF during their community internship. Clinically she has experience in setting such as psychiatric emergency/urgent care, community clinics, and private practices. Gene is a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, American Nurses Association, and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. She also serves as a San Francisco Behavioral Health Commission commissioner.

Welcome! My name is Erin and I am a therapist who loves working with college and grad students going through transition, building identity and community, or seeking support during difficult chapters. I aim to help my clients listen closely to the guidance of their inner voice as they find a way forward from confusion towards a vision of life that feels exciting. My approach is warm and collaborative, grounded in narrative therapy and a post-traumatic growth lens. I have years of experience supporting people through depression, anxiety, trauma, and social anxiety and isolation. I also emphasize community building and creativity as essential pillars of mental health. Together we'll find the approach that helps you move toward a life that feels more fully alive. I love being a therapist and am honored to do this work. If you think we would be a good fit, fill out the contact form on this page and we will be in touch!

Whether you are experiencing difficulty in the here and now or struggling with things of your past, having a neutral, safe place to work through that is just for you can help. I have found that college students are at a prime place in their lives to make a meaningful impact through talk therapy. Career choices, family expectations, and relationships can take a toll on mental health and feel overwhelming at times. Therapy can help.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am a certified eating disorder specialist with over 10 years of experience working with individuals who struggle with their relationship with food, body image, and self. College can often be a time that increases these struggles with the demands of academics, sports performance for athletes, more independence and social pressures. My work is to help you create a better relationship with your body and food that can help lead to a more satisfaction in life. I also work with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, and the life transitions. Together we will create coping strategies to navigate through the mess and sometimes just to hold space to sit in the messiness that can be life. My work is collaborative. I am not here to tell you what to do but instead meet you where you are at and guide you to your goals that you want to meet in therapy. I bring warmth, compassion and of course some humor into our work together.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.