Therapists for college students near University of Southern California

I’ve been in private practice for almost 20 years. Something that sets me apart from a lot of other therapists is my strong commitment to having a good match between therapist and client. If I’m not the right match, I will try and help you find someone who is. I work collaboratively with my clients to form a relationship that feels supportive, while at the same time, helping to stretch their capacity in whatever area(s) they may be wanting to work on. I am warm and kind and non-judgmental, and also very honest and real.

During challenging times, people often feel defeated and focus on what is wrong. I want to shift the focus from what is "not working" to identifying what is "working." We will work to uncover patterns (behavioral, thought beliefs, relationship), that will lead you to making better decisions. I want to offer a safe place to process thoughts and feelings around issues that can be challenging. I am interested in helping people who experience stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/loss and challenges with relationships (social or romantic). Many conversations are around “adulting” and how to manage life, career, relationships, etc. I teach clients how negative thought patterns/language effect mood and behavior. Narrative and Solution Focused therapy assists in shifting from self-defeating language/thoughts to a positive life narrative. I utilize CBT and teach the basics of how thoughts effect behavior/mood. I teach ACT concepts- to learn how our emotions and thoughts are related. I teach mindfulness to help with coping.

Hi there! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in San Diego, CA, and have been working as a social worker for a little over five years. I've worked with all ages, from elementary school students to adults, but I particularly enjoy working with college students and young professionals who are juggling life transitions, family and relationships, work/school, and the constantly changing world around us. I previously spent several years working at an university serving students from historically marginalized communities, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and first-generation students. I integrate aspects of dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), somatic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, and cognitive processing therapy (CPT) into my work with clients. I tailor these techniques and skills to the individual needs and wishes of each client, since some approaches work better for some than others. I aim to create a warm, trauma-informed environment for each client where they can feel authentically themselves, without judgment. All feelings are welcome in session with me. I enjoy being able to collaborate with clients on working towards the goals they want to achieve, and building on the strengths and supports they have already. I offer free 15-minute consultations to see if we'd be a good fit - feel free to email me to schedule or if you have any additional questions!

We have a number of clinicians that specialize in working with college age students. Some of the issues we treat (including, but not limited to) school stressors, sexual abuse, physical abuse, impact of covid-19, anxiety, depression, dissociative disorders and more. We also offer approaches such as EMDR, Brainspotting, Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, and more. We appreciate how challenging it can be to find a therapist, and we are here to help the process be as smooth as possible. We are dedicated to making sure we help find the right fit for your needs.

Dr. Ponting is a licensed clinical psychologist specialized in treating anxiety, traumatic stress, and depression in adults and children. She focuses on improving mental health during the transition to parenthood, including pregnancy and the postpartum period. Dr. Ponting also works with families with young children ages 2-6 who have experienced a recent traumatic event. Dr. Ponting provides individualized, culturally responsive care aimed at reducing distress and enhancing the capacity to feel positive emotions. Dr. Ponting draws from several evidence-based individual and family therapies and provides services in English and Spanish.

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.

I work best with college students who are starting to notice how perfectionism, people-pleasing, or pressure to achieve affects their mental health. Many grew up feeling like they had to be “the strong one” or keep the peace at home, and now those same patterns show up in school, relationships, or self-worth. They’re ready to understand themselves better, heal from the past, and feel more grounded in who they are.

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How many times a day do you daydream of dropping everything? Only to quickly be overcome with anxiety and frustration thinking of how everyone and everything will fall apart without you. Let’s face it—if you did take a break, the same issues would still be there, and there might be even more waiting for you. This is just one sign, among others, of burnout and a good example of an opportunity to learn the art of setting boundaries and saying “no” to others while saying “yes” to yourself. This is where therapy comes in! Many believe that therapy is only for the broken or the traumatized. False. Therapy is for anyone seeking to live more fully, love more deeply, think more clearly, and feel more like the 'you' you have been missing. In therapy you will have a safe space to reconnect with yourself and learn how to say “no” with confidence. Like my clients, you deserve to put yourself first without worrying about letting down your partner, kids, friends, or boss. Feeling peaceful and fulfilled without the guilt is not out of your reach!

I know firsthand how hard it can be to find the right therapist, especially while juggling the demands of college life. My goal is to create a space that feels comfortable and supportive from the very beginning. I work with students who are navigating stress, relationships, family dynamics, or just the everyday challenges that come with balancing school and life. Together, we’ll focus on building coping skills, processing what feels overwhelming, and finding healthier ways to manage stress and relationships. My approach is adaptable and down-to-earth. I want therapy to feel like it truly fits you and your unique needs. I ground my work in compassion, collaboration, and curiosity, and I feel fortunate to walk alongside students as they navigate challenges and move toward meaningful change. I offer flexible scheduling, including mornings, evenings, and weekends. I see clients both in-person in Campbell, CA and via telehealth throughout California. I’m a Marriage and Family Therapy trainee at Yes to Therapy, working under licensed clinical supervisor Victoria Campbell, LMFT. Fees & Insurance: We offer a sliding scale to make therapy more accessible, and we accept certain insurances.

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist that has experience with ages 17-60+. The issues I work well with are anxiety, depression, substance use, college and academic related issues, and relationship and familial issues. I am a direct, hollistic, and empowering therapist, that understands and empathizes at my core. I offer Virtual Telehealth sessions only. I accept insurances that are listed on my profile. I also accept out of pocket payments, which in this case, would be disclosed before the start of first session.

Hello! Sometimes adulting is hard and even more complicated with life, family, relationships or other issues. I invite you to a safe haven for self-discovery and the opportunity to address the issues that have been lingering or bothering you. I understand that taking this step might be confusing, scary or a bit difficult. I am here to support and guide you towards reaching whatever goals you set. You are welcome to email, call or text for a free consultation. From there I can determine how I can best help.

My clients usually approach me when they are ready to make a change in their lives. They are experiencing conflicts, inside themselves or with others, and are looking for an empathic, flexible and dynamic clinician to provide support and guidance. With clients and within myself, I emphasize maintaining mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health and wellness practices, as well as, feelings of HOPE and self acceptance. My clients and I are both “agents of change,” constantly progressing, and continuously developing through this journey called life. I am currently licensed and practicing in the state of California and New Jersey. I also have a permit to practice in New York supervised by Dr. Melissa Laracuenta- Hernandez.

You're ambitious, kind, hardworking, and yet, something in life isn't working out. It feels like you're trying so hard, and yet, you're stuck, or somehow falling behind in a part of your life. Maybe because of stress, a past romantic relationship, or maybe because you're feeling overwhelmed. Talking with someone about worries and circumstances to heal emotional wounds takes courage. Counseling could be intimidating and stirring. Thankfully, we offer an attentive and supportive environment that is safe, private and professional for your emotional health. If you need support, reach out. We are here to help. Book an appointment to meet with us at our office in-person, or via TeleHealth.

While I see people for many types of reasons, I usually see clients individually that are looking to work on a present centered issue. These typically include school issues, work stress, relationship problems, or difficulty coping with anxiety / depression symptoms. In graduate school I was part of the sports psychology department. During this time I assisted in two different research studies. The first examined flow states in athletes (getting in "the zone"). The second study examined the effects of concussions in athletes. I draw upon these experiences to help students focus and stay motivated. I also had a side job in graduate school where I helped coach college students that had difficulty adjusting to college life. These practical, real world skills are something I continue to teach to this day. When meeting with a client, I keep the atmosphere relaxed and inviting. I want people to feel comfortable, but also know they are receiving "evidence based" care. This means what I say in our meetings is supported by research. That is why I use treatments that incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques. These treatments are supported by current research and have a high rate of success.

Have you been told you have an intense personality? Are you bright, sensitive, creative? Do you have a lot to offer, but find life and relationships overwhelming? I work with intelligent children, teens and adults to find greater life satisfaction, and to turn their intensities into their greatest assets. You can learn to better manage and reduce stress, reduce anxiety and depression, stop racing thoughts, manage over thinking and resolve past trauma. Working together you will also gain the ability to better your relationships by increasing your emotional intelligence, communication skills, and the ability to negotiate conflicts. My years of experience and specialized training working with complex mental health and relationship issues, as well as training and expertise working with gifted, twice exceptional (2E) and high achieving people, families and couples will benefit you because I have a specialized understanding of your needs and the skills necessary to address those needs. Whether you are having difficulty managing emotions, connecting with others, parenting an intense child or dealing with a specific situation, I can help you or your child through this challenging time. You don’t have to do it alone. Contact me to see how we can work together to help you reach your full potential for happiness.

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Are you feeling unhappy, isolated, stressed, stuck, or like nothing ever goes right? Do you want to improve your relationships with friends, family, or partners? I strongly believe everyone can benefit from a safe space to process their emotions and struggles weekly with someone outside your immediate support system. It’s daunting to find a therapist who is right for you. I will meet you where you’re at - whether that’s helping you find the words to express yourself or finding the right goals and motivations to move yourself to the next phase of life. I provide psychotherapy services to teens, young adults, and adults of all ages, but I especially enjoy working with college students. I approach therapy from a person-centered and strengths-based perspective. That means I believe you are the expert on yourself; and that with support and guidance, you have the ability to make the changes you want. I believe I can help you to improve your self-awareness, understand and accept patterns from your past, and learn new skills and healthier ways of engaging in the world. Prioritizing healing, growth, and change are lifelong practices that often need a tune-up. I believe transformation requires time, space, patience, and self-compassion. In therapy, I offer a safe and caring relationship that supports you in doing this life-changing work. If you are experiencing depression, feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, perfectionism, people pleasing, grief and loss, life changes, trauma, low self-worth, self-criticism, communication, identifying needs, and boundary issues, please reach out today! ​Registered Associate MFT #118406 ​Registered Associate PCC #7659 Supervised by Dr. Joy L. Johnson, Psy.D. (PSY28452)