Therapists for college students near UCLA

I'm passionate about helping adults and teens heal emotional wounds, nurture healthy relationships, and enhance self-esteem. If you tend to overthink, feel unmotivated, or simply struggle to enjoy the present moment, I'm here to help. I provide a space where you can express and sort through unhelpful thoughts and emotions that you may not feel able to process elsewhere. I am dedicated to helping you rediscover confidence and peace within yourself and in your relationships.

We are a private therapy practice located San Francisco and Pasadena specializing in psychotherapy for women and children in individual and group settings. Spark All Wellness helps children and mamas through difficult life situations, trauma and the challenges of parenting. Our team specializes in EMDR, CBT, Play Therapy & Trauma-Informed Yoga Therapy and offer both in-person and telehealth sessions.

I believe that we all have an innate healing power within us, and that developing a safe and caring relationship with a therapist can be a wonderful means toward enlivening this power. By going within, we can discover the agency to overcome any obstacle and can bring into being a renewed sense of hope, purpose, and a life of fulfillment. I come from a holistic, humanistic, and mindfulness/spiritually-oriented tradition who believe that a therapist is only as skilled as they are evolved, or self-actualized themselves. I specialize in trauma, dissociation, & complex post traumatic stress disorder. I have trained in EMDR and utilize Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Ketamine as a means of accessing the Self. I work with adults and children alike, and enjoy incorporating meditation, art, and play therapy. As a former creative producer with 20 years in entertainment, I also receive a great deal of satisfaction working with artists in the industry. I provide a warm and compassionate space of acceptance that encourages growth to unfold. By expressing feelings openly and connecting authentically we learn to resolve family and relationship issues naturally. Inevitably, this clears a path for greater intimacy with oneself and others, uncovering the full measure of our potential for love and joy.

Hello, I work with individuals seeking a better understanding of themselves and their relationships and wanting to improve how they manage their emotions and anxiety. I work collaboratively with you on developing self-discovery while providing a nurturing, supportive environment- loosening habituated patterns of avoidance, self-doubt, fear, and self-sabotage. My job is to help your nervous system heal from these enduring burdens, so we can reduce persistent feelings of self-doubt, inadequacy, and dissatisfaction. The beauty of this work is that it emboldens us to be on a continuing process of self-discovery every day. Over time, clients report feeling a deep sense of internal relief which ultimately promotes feelings of validation, acceptance, appreciation, empowerment, purpose, and love. Message me to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.

Feeling stuck or struggling with relationships? I help students navigate the pressure of college while exploring racial/ethnic, sexual and gender identity, especially within the Latine/x TNG/LGBQ+, and neurodivergent communities. If you're tired of guessing why things feel hard, my assessments provide clear answers and paperwork you need for school accommodations. Whether you want to understand your patterns or get a roadmap for your brain, let's build a life that actually feels like you. See if we're a fit.

During my clinical training at a college counseling center, I worked closely with students navigating anxiety, self-doubt, emotional overwhelm, relationship difficulties, trauma, academic pressures, and major life transitions. I also currently serve as a clinical supervisor for doctoral trainees in a graduate psychology program. As a contributing author in a Cambridge Scholars Publishing volume exploring the transcultural unconscious, I am especially attentive to the ways psychological suffering can emerge across emotional, relational, somatic, cultural, ancestral, and intergenerational layers—particularly for individuals navigating between multiple cultural worlds, identities, or systems of meaning. In addition to my clinical work, I draw insight from four decades of lived experience across business, music, holistic practices, and cross-cultural traditions, which continue to inform my understanding of psychological resilience, creativity, identity, and the complexity of human experience. Many of the individuals I work with appear highly capable on the outside while privately struggling with a persistent sense of disconnection from themselves or uncertainty about who they are beyond achievement and external expectations. If you are trying to meet academic, familial, cultural, or social demands while also struggling with questions of identity, self-worth, meaning, or belonging, therapy can offer a space where your inner life is approached with greater curiosity and depth rather than reduced to productivity or performance. Therapy may also help you develop the psychological flexibility to hold the tension between external expectations and your own emerging questions about identity, meaning, and authenticity without forcing one side of yourself to disappear. I work particularly well with students and young adults who are psychologically curious and interested in understanding the deeper patterns shaping their emotional lives. This may especially resonate if you tend to organize your inner life and external world primarily through thinking, analysis, and intellectual understanding. The capacity to reflect, reason, and make meaning from complexity can be a profound strength that supports resilience, creativity, and achievement. At the same time, thinking can sometimes become a way of creating distance from emotional or somatic experience, especially when vulnerability or relational life once felt difficult to navigate. You may genuinely enjoy ideas, self-reflection, and intellectual exploration, while also sensing that certain emotional experiences remain difficult to access, articulate, or fully feel. Together, we may explore how early relational experiences, unconscious dynamics, cultural and family histories, and internalized expectations influence your self-esteem, relationships, perfectionism, emotional regulation, and sense of meaning or purpose. My approach is psychodynamic and depth-oriented while also integrating evidence-based trauma treatment, including EMDR. Therapy is not only focused on symptom reduction, but also on helping you develop a more reflective and compassionate relationship with yourself. I value both the importance of making practical progress in daily life and the longer process of psychological development that unfolds as your inner and outer worlds begin to come into deeper dialogue. For many young adults, this stage of life involves more than adapting to social expectations—it can also become an important period of questioning, identity formation, and emotional integration. Therapy can provide a space for you to think deeply, process difficult experiences, and cultivate a more grounded and genuine sense of self.

Many of the students I work best with feel pressure to "have it all together" on the outside—yet inside, they're overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, or past trauma. They may be high-achieving, creative, or deeply caring individuals who feel stuck, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward. In our work together, I provide a warm, grounded space to explore what’s really going on beneath the surface. I use practical, body-based tools along with talk therapy to help you feel more empowered, connected, and aligned with who you truly are. Therapy doesn’t have to be about fixing what’s “wrong”—it can be about reconnecting with your inner strength and learning new ways to care for yourself.

If you feel things in a big way, you are in the right place. You may be highly sensitive, an empath, or feeling the weight of injustices. I work with creative people who feel things deeply. I support in processing trauma, anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, people pleasing, gender expression, and sexuality. I am committed to social justice and believe mental health does not exist in a vacuum. We are influenced by the society and world around us. My approach to therapy is rooted in values of anti-oppression and acknowledging the systemic factors that impact wellbeing.

You may be trying to figure out who you are and what you want to do, possibly for the first time. You are probably navigating big changes in relationships, whether that is making new friends, figuring out where you fit in, communicating with professors/advisors, or redefining relationships with family. It can be overwhelming. While this can be an incredibly stressful time, it is also full of possibility and growth. You don't have to figure it out alone - therapy can be a wonderful place where you can slow down and get the support you need and deserve. I absolutely love working with undergraduate and graduate students. Many people who work with me are navigating something invisible that makes them feel different - whether that is anxiety or depression, a chronic health condition, grief or trauma, relationship concerns, life transitions, or parts of your identity that may be unseen. I am especially passionate about working with artists/creatives, the LGBTQ+ community, and people who feel their emotions deeply. My style is empathetic, attentive, non-judgmental, and collaborative. I seek to create an affirming space where all parts of you that you wish to explore are welcomed. I bring careful listening and offer tools to help you feel more grounded, let go of unhelpful narratives, communicate effectively, and build better relationships with yourself and others.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, licensed in both California and Idaho. I specialize in supporting individuals who are navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, and other emotional or life difficulties. Evening and weekend appointments available. Free initial consultation. My approach to therapy is collaborative, personalized, and recovery-oriented. I believe therapy should feel both supportive and practical, and I strive to create a warm, collaborative environment where clients feel safe exploring challenges, developing coping skills, and working toward meaningful and lasting change. Through telehealth services, I work with people experiencing concerns such as anxiety, stress, depression, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. My goal is to help clients feel heard, understood, and empowered as they build resilience, gain insight, and move toward greater emotional well-being.

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.

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.

The therapists at Blossom Wellness are licensed and trained to work with adult individuals struggling with college related anxiety, self-esteem, stress management, depression, burnout and more. Starting therapy takes courage, and finding the right therapist makes all the difference. Blossom Wellness makes is easier for clients to find a great therapist, without having to search endlessly online. Each therapist at Blossom Wellness is highly talented, takes great pride in the work they do, and are passionate about helping the clients they serve. I am confident that you will find the right fit for you!

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.

Whether you are coping with loss, relationship challenges, emotional neglect, abuse, or systemic stress, you do not have to navigate healing alone. I strive to create a compassionate, supportive space where clients can build autonomy, strengthen coping skills, and develop emotional resilience. My goal is to help my clients better understand how chronic stress impacts emotional well-being and to develop the skills to create meaningful, lasting change. The part I love about this field is seeing my clients transform into the person they've fought hard to become. I have witnessed the impact of mental health needs within my community, therefore, I will support you no matter your class, population, or race. If you've made it this far, thank you for your time. I hope I am a good fit for you! Regards A. LCSW

Hello, I’m Kimberly G. Galindo, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) serving adolescents, adults, seniors, veterans, and Spanish-speaking individuals throughout California. I specialize in ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, mood disorders, and medication management. I am board-certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and earned my Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University. I provide compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care through comprehensive evaluations, medication management, and supportive therapy. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where patients feel heard, respected, and actively involved in their care. With over 20 years of healthcare experience in critical care, behavioral health, leadership, and patient advocacy, I believe in treating the whole person, not just the diagnosis. Together, we will develop a personalized treatment plan to support your mental wellness, resilience, and overall quality of life.

Clients I work with are typically struggling with perfectionism, eating disorders, body image issues, anxiety, depression, and difficulty with the college transition. I want to learn about your unique story so that we can create meaningful positive change in your life. As your therapist, I like to focus on staying in the present moment, finding skills to regulate emotions, and tapping into your mind/body/spirit. Because of my own background and identities, I am passionate about working with athletes, LGBTQ folks, People of Color, and trans-racial adoptees. I am located in Los Angeles and work with clients throughout California using a secure Telehealth platform, Simple Practice.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Thank you for stopping by! I'm Richard and trained in Narrative Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Clinical Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, and am a certified expert in Media and Medicine. Prior to attending Harvard Medical School, I was a Fellow and Positive PsychoIogy Division Member at Harvard/McLean Hospital/Institute of Coaching. I believe that you are the expert in your life story and have many hidden strengths that can be discovered to overcome obstacles and create positive outcomes. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage, and I am here to support you in this discovery process of achieving optimum health. My prior experience as a producer’s assistant to Academy Award and Emmy Award winners along with working on Billion $ revenue generating productions allowed me to garner an understanding of the dreams and ambitions of wanting to get to the top, staying at the top, and balancing school/career/family/relationship demands. At times we may run into relationship problems or addictions when we strive to live up to personal and family obligations and expectations and want our share of success. When one side of the scale becomes heavier, it causes an imbalance. In order to bring balance back into lives, I provide CBT, Solution-focused, and Motivational Interviewing psychotherapy evidence-based practices with a humanistic perspective. I utilized my psychotherapeutic interventions with clients to assess, navigate goals, and help improve the lives of clients associated with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and the Los Angeles County Superior Court. My clients include Fortune 100 executives and program managers who are of diverse backgrounds. As a psychotherapist and performance psychology business coach, I have prior experience working with Emmy, BAFTA and Academy Award-winning production teams at Paramount, Universal and Miramax. My credits include Frasier (NBC), Rush Hour 2 (New Line Cinema), The Italian Job (Paramount), Tea with Mussolini (Universal), Life of Luxury (Glorious Art Entertainment), The Howard Stern Show (E! Entertainment), Emmy Awards (ABC), and uncredited writing of the original story treatment for Tropic Thunder (Dreamworks SKG). My contributions to the field of mental health as a clinician-researcher garnered a Los Angeles County Commendation for investigating group psychotherapy practices within the Los Angeles County Department of Probation. I have studied mindfulness behavior/integrative medicine at UCLA’s Mindfulness Awareness Resource Center. Helping you achieve optimum health is my goal. I provide psychotherapy to those who are seeking caring support, change, or improvement in their lives as individuals, couples, and families; wanting to establish stronger work, family, and/or team organizational objectives, assuaging anxious thoughts, depression, or stressors associated with life challenges. My expertise is working with clients presenting with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, school and career transitions, illnesses, family and marital issues, and co-occurring disorders.

Talk Therapy for Students Are you feeling overwhelmed with schoolwork or are you missing your family and friends back home? Our team is here to help you find the tools and coping skills to get your mind right. Leaving home, starting university, and finding new friends can be some of the most intense pressures and stressors to manage. Our team can help you Discover new coping skills Specialize techniques to manage anxiety and depression, and negative thought loops Increase your support system that will help you manage and decrease stress Talk about your past present or fear of the future Learn new ways to manage trauma Set new goals and follow through! YOU ARE NOT ALONE! College is an exciting time filled with new experiences, opportunities, and growth. However, it can also be a challenging period, particularly for students who may face academic pressure, financial stress, relationship difficulties, or mental health issues. These stressors can quickly pile up and take a toll on a student’s well-being, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, or burnout. As experienced therapists, we have seen firsthand the unique challenges that college students face. Whether you’re navigating the pressures of academic success, building healthy relationships, or finding your place in the world, college can be a time of intense stress and uncertainty. That’s why we believe that therapy is the most powerful tool for college students who are looking to enhance their well-being and achieve their goals. Our overarching goal is to help students to develop a better understanding of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and provide them with the tools they need to overcome the challenges they face. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or even relationship issues, therapy can help you to gain a new perspective, improve your coping skills, and increase your overall sense of happiness and fulfillment. Our number one priority is to create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where you can freely express yourself and work towards achieving your goals. We know that every college student is unique, and take a personalized approach to therapy, tailoring our methods to fit your individual needs and goals. So, if you’re a college student looking to improve your well-being, increase your self-awareness, and achieve your full potential, we encourage you to consider therapy. We’re here to help.