Therapists for college students near University of Southern California
Kristen Silva
Do you ever feel like no matter what you do, it’s never enough? Maybe you’re caught in cycles of people-pleasing, anxiety, or perfectionism—always showing up for others but still questioning your own worth. On the outside you may look like you’re holding it together, but inside you’re exhausted. If you long for authentic relationships and the confidence to feel secure in yourself, therapy can help. Our work together is deeper than surface-level talk therapy. Through IFS and a warm, supportive approach, I’ll help you uncover the root of what’s keeping you stuck. Clients often say I bring a calming, compassionate presence while also gently challenging them to see things in new ways. I specialize in helping high-achievers in Bakersfield and across California heal the roots of shame, anxiety, and people-pleasing. My goal is for you to feel more confident, connected, and at peace with yourself. If you’re ready to take that first step toward lasting change, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.
Micaela Magazzu-Alaman
Many of the students I work with feel overwhelmed trying to figure out who they are and what they want, especially in a time that feels uncertain and constantly changing. You might be thinking about your future while also holding awareness of things like climate change, global crises, or instability in the world, which can make everything feel heavier or harder to make sense of. Some students I work with are dealing with habits like skin picking or hair pulling, while others feel burnt out, anxious, or like they’re trying to keep up but struggling internally. I take a relational and systemic approach, looking at both what’s happening internally and the larger context you’re living in, while also offering practical tools to support change. Many of my clients are thoughtful and aware, trying to make sense of themselves and the world around them. Therapy can be a space to slow things down and find ways to move forward that feel more grounded and realistic.
Cindia Estrada, LMFT, Integrative Wellness Counseling
Hi there, I'm Cindia! I get it. It is becoming more difficult to find balance in a rapidly changing world. Increasing school, work and personal demands, constant connectivity, and the pace of modern life can leave us feeling overwhelmed and overstimulated. I’m passionate about guiding clients to slow down, regulate their nervous system, and create more balance in their lives. My focus I support adults (18 and older) with generalized anxiety, social anxiety, performance anxiety, and depression. My practice focuses on introverts who need space to recharge and highly sensitive people (HSPs) who may feel overstimulated and overwhelmed, including college students, working professionals, and people navigating career transitions. My approach I utilize a holistic and integrative perspective to support your wellness. Holistic means that I consider the whole person by taking into consideration different areas of your life that may impact your well-being. Integrative means that I draw from multiple therapeutic approaches and tailor interventions to best meet your individual needs. My communication style My communication style is gentle, authentic, and compassionate. I often hear my clients say, “I feel very comfortable with you,” due to my presence. I’m gentle in helping you slow down and stay present, authentic in communicating transparently, and compassionate in creating a supportive space where you can be yourself without judgment. My journey to mental healthcare Counseling is my second career. Before becoming a therapist, I worked in marketing for over 10 years, primarily in the security software technology industry in the Bay Area. I decided to make this transition to better align my career with my values of holistic wellness, self-care, personal growth, minimalism, and helping others. My goals for you I take a collaborative approach to your wellness goals. To set goals, I take the time to listen to what you have in mind and offer personalized recommendations informed by my holistic and integrative perspective. To help you reach your goals, I monitor your progress through your feedback, evidence-based questionnaires, and my clinical observations. Our first session During our first session, I’ll welcome you, briefly introduce myself, review confidentiality, and address your questions. We’ll spend most of the session completing an initial holistic assessment to understand what areas of your life may be contributing to imbalance and collaborate to identify preliminary wellness goals.
Blue Humming Therapy
Blue Humming Therapy provides comprehensive counseling services to individuals, couples, and families to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. The counselors at BHT provide respectful support as you explore options for positive changes in your life.
Jenn Garlock
*I am licensed in both Oregon and California, and can work with students who often travel between these two states.* When the difficult experiences from your past are still impacting you, it is hard to know what to do. You don’t feel like yourself anymore, and the people in your life are starting to notice. It’s coming out at school, in your relationships, in your mood. You might be thinking “I just want to move on with my life. Why can’t I just get over it already?” But no matter how many times you try to move on, you still feel stuck. You are not alone. I help people who have been through difficult childhood, sexual, and relationship experiences look at how their experiences have shaped them, and explore how to take back their lives from the memories that have burdened them for so long. Together, we will build a trusting relationship where you can feel safe enough to explore what happened in your life, the ways you have survived, and how to get unstuck so you can move toward a life that is ruled by you, and not by the past. I know reaching out to begin therapy can be an overwhelming experience. I offer a free 15-20 minute consultation, where you can share a bit about what you would like to work on, ask me any questions you may have, and we can determine whether I might be a good fit for your needs. Please feel free to visit my website to learn more and schedule a consultation. I'm looking forward to meeting you!
Living Lotus Therapy
I’m passionate about working with children and young adults, especially those who are queer, neurodivergent, and/or Asian American. College is a major life transition, and I'm here to help ease the stress and anxiety that tends to come with it! In our work together, I will draw on play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and traditional psychotherapy approaches to best fit your treatment needs and goals. I practice from a trauma-informed, anti-carceral framework where the most important thing is that you are your own expert. I hope to foster growth in emotional regulation, self-awareness, and self-esteem so you can express yourself freely and live as you want to be seen.
Julia Conrad
The thing that inspires me most to work in mental healthcare is my desire to help people live the best lives they possibly can. I have always believed that the relationship you have with your clients is the most important foundational part of successful therapy. I foster that by providing a warm, inviting, non-judgmental space for my clients to be open and to feel heard, validated and supported. With my clients, I try to make sure they feel understood and like they know what to expect as we work through the healing process.
Oceanside Clinics
Oceanside Clinics is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization providing telehealth services across California. We are in-network with Aetna and Blue Shield.
Miguel Frank, PsyD - Deeper Than Color
In a world not created for our comfort or success, the challenges of Black, Latine/a/x, Indigenous, Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI), and People of Color often go unnoticed by others. Are you constantly feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and unable to prioritize yourself? Do you feel as though your relationships are one-sided? Have you experienced microaggressions, felt marginalized, or like an impostor in predominantly White spaces? Are you ready to level up and reclaim your power? My approach is person-centered and strengths-based. You are the expert of your life, and we will work together to identify and use your strengths to create healthier relationships, increase self-esteem, and build resilience. Transforming into your most joyful self requires dedication and hard work, and I am here to support you every step of the way. As a Black and Latinx psychologist, I am passionate about healing and uplifting his communities. You deserve not to just survive, but thrive! I believe this work has the ability to help you find the confidence in your voice, and feel empowered in your daily life. If this resonates with you, come through, get settled in, and let’s get to work.
Gather and Grow Orange County
Gather and Grow OC is a safe space to play, explore and grow together! We believe in high quality, knowledgeable therapy that honors the individual. We believe in sharing tools and education about healing. We believe that we’re all innately inclined to joy and growth, and we’re interested in connecting with other healers and truth seekers that believe the same!
Jerry Moreau
Thank you for finding your way here. I hope you find the emotional and relational support need for yourself, a friend, or a loved one. I am currently accepting new clients for both in-person and online teletherapy . Schedule a 15-minute initial consultation today. Serving all of California via teletherapy. Our personal journey is both joyous and challenging. Life brings us things where sometimes we become lost and struggle. During these times, we may need to reach out to someone who is caring and nurturing - someone who will listen and is knowledgeable. As a depth-oriented and body centered psychotherapist, I believe that creating a deeper connection between our physical, mental, emotional, sexual, and spiritual self, we can move forward in life with greater ease and experience the world anew. We have the opportunity to become more authentic with our self, others, and life. My goal during our sessions is to create a container that is safe, caring, and trusting. By working together, you will become better able to develop a deeper understanding of the challenges in your life. You will become more receptive to the possibilities that await you and better able to move toward goals that bring greater satisfaction and commitment in your life. I look forward to meeting with you. You are welcome to make an appointment for a complimentary 15-minute session so we can get to know one another.
Bridges Therapy Group
At Bridges Therapy Group, we understand that life’s challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges or simply seeking personal growth, our dedicated team of over 30 experienced and compassionate mental health professionals is here to guide and support you on your path toward healing and happiness. Our practice uses a fully virtual model to offer affordable, accessible and effective mental health care for individuals across the state of California. We recognize the profound personal connection between a client and therapist and our dedicated client care team takes pride in understanding your individual needs and preferences ensuring a seamless connection with a client-centered therapeutic ally whose expertise and style aligns precisely with what you’re seeking. Are you ready to begin your journey towards a healthier, happier you? There is hope for a better future. Call or send us a message to speak to someone today. We look forward to being a part of your healing journey!
The Wise Mind Institute
Pause and imagine what life could feel like if the past no longer dictated your present. Imagine permitting yourself to grow in new directions, breaking free from painful relational patterns, or no longer paying a heavy price for success and achievement. I help adults and couples who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship challenges. Many of my clients are high-achieving professionals feeling stuck, disconnected, or exhausted. Others are navigating trauma, loss, life transitions, or questions of identity, seeking clarity and relief. I believe everyone can unlock their innate capacity to heal and grow. In our work together, you’ll find a safe and collaborative space to slow down, reflect, and begin practicing new ways of relating to yourself and others. My approach combines a relational psychodynamic foundation with evidence-based methods, including Cognitive and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (CBT, DBT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples. Before becoming a psychologist, I worked in international business across multiple countries, which shaped my appreciation for cultural and contextual influences. I now support adults navigating perfectionism, stress, career pressures, and major transitions. I offer both in-person and teletherapy.
Terese Weaver
I’ve always had a deep interest in understanding people and their experiences. I was often the friend or family member that people would turn to for support, over time, I realized that I wanted to do more than just offer advice—I wanted to truly guide people on their personal journeys toward healing and growth. I was inspired by the idea of providing a safe space for people to explore their thoughts and feelings, and the idea that through therapy, people can find clarity, strength, and lasting change. I believe the most important thing is creating a space where you feel comfortable sharing openly. I listen closely to your words, but also pay attention to the emotions and body language that might not be as obvious. I want to really understand your perspective—what you’re going through, how you’re feeling, and what you need. My goal is for you to feel that you’re not just being listened to, but truly understood in a way that’s supportive and non-judgmental. Everyone’s experience is unique, so I try to adapt my approach to what works best for you, ensuring that you always feel seen and valued throughout our work together. Working together is a process, and it’s built on open communication, respect, and collaboration. I believe trust is something that grows over time, and I’m committed to creating a space where you feel comfortable and supported every step of the way. Trust is something I prioritize, and that comes from being consistent, empathetic, and non-judgmental. I’ll always meet you where you’re at, and we’ll work together to set a pace and approach that feels right for you.
Caitlin Severin
Being in your late teens or early 20s can feel overwhelming at times. I work with young adults to navigate anxiety, relationships, and big life changes in a way that feels real and manageable. Together, we’ll build tools to help you feel more grounded, confident, and like yourself again.
Beverly Wong, AMFT #138944 at the Center for Mindful Psychotherapy
I’m so glad you’re here. Taking the first step toward therapy can feel daunting. Maybe you feel misunderstood, overwhelmed, or like you have to handle everything on your own. Whatever you’re carrying, I want you to know that you don’t have to navigate it alone. I’m here to support you as you step outside your comfort zone and move toward growth, self-discovery, and healing. As someone who was once a student myself, I understand how challenging it can be to manage anxiety, depression, perfectionism, shifting relationships, grief, trauma, and everything in between—on top of trying to keep up with school and the pressures of “figuring it all out.” I work with college students at all stages—whether you’re adjusting to campus life, pushing through to the next break, preparing for graduation and the uncertainty ahead, or returning to school after time away. Whoever you are, this is a space where you can show up exactly as you are, without judgment. As a child of immigrants, I’ve personally navigated the complexities of balancing cultural expectations, identity, and belonging. My own journey has deepened my empathy and passion for helping others find clarity, self-acceptance, and peace in their own stories. Students come to me for all kinds of reasons—managing stress, navigating friendships and relationships (yes, even situationships), figuring out what’s next, or simply having a space to process it all. Whatever brings you to therapy, we’ll approach it with curiosity, compassion, and maybe even some laughter along the way. Whether this is your first time in therapy or you’re continuing your journey, I’m honored to support you every step of the way. Registered Associate Marriage and Family therapist at the Center for Mindful Psychotherapy. - Supervised by Monica Ramil, LMFT #108945 -
Ly Franshaua Pipkins, PsyD
For first-generation college graduates, imposter syndrome doesn’t just come from internal self-doubt. It’s inherited. It’s cultural. It’s systemic. TO SCHEDULE A FREE 15 MINUTE CONSULTATION VISIT: https://blackwomantherapist.me/request-a-consultation-1 You worked hard to “make it”—but deep down, part of you still feels like you arrived somewhere your nervous system was never taught to fully belong.When you’re the first in your family to move through colleges, graduate programs, and other institutional spaces that were unfamiliar to those who raised you, the pressure rarely stays confined to earning the degree. THERAPY CAN HELP: Together, we’ll quiet the doubt So you can feel at home in your own success. Through relational-cultural therapy and nervous system-based care (such as Brainspotting), we will work together to shift you from a place of persistent self-doubt to deep, grounded self-trust. Using a culturally responsive lens, I help first-gens move from harsh self-criticism to authentic self-compassion—providing a space where you never have to explain or defend your lived experience. TO SCHEDULE A FREE 15 MINUTE CONSULTATION VISIT: https://blackwomantherapist.me/request-a-consultation-1
Molly Gruber
My goal as a therapist is to empower clients by working collaboratively and to help them learn and find the tools and skills to help themselves reach success. I aspire to provide compassionate and culturally competent care and support clients in reaching their goals. I do my best to ensure clients feel heard and understood in sessions by providing a safe and non-judgmental space for them to explore and process their thoughts feelings and emotions. As a therapist my goal is to be present and grounded in the moment to provide whatever support is needed. I believe that in order to build trust there needs to be understanding and connection. Finding common ground and being curious are integral parts of my work.
Arboris Counseling Collective
Arboris Counseling Collective currently consists of two clinicians: Rachel Kinnard (LMFT161752) and Nicole Rodriguez (LMFT159223) Rachel specializes in treating generalized anxiety, body dysmorphia, and complex trauma, with a specific focus on helping individuals untangle the complexities of their lived experiences. If you are feeling stuck, uncertain, or disconnected, Rachel is here to help you move toward greater clarity, confidence, and alignment within yourself. Nicole is a late-diagnosed ADHD clinician that specializes in support individuals navigating neurodiversity. This can range from suspecting possible ADHD to support those with autism. To learn more about their individual styles please visit us at arboriscounselingco.com and/or schedule a complimentary (free) 15 minute consultation call
Theraperspectives Counseling
Theraperspectives Counseling supports students and emerging adults navigating anxiety, burnout, identity exploration, neurodivergence, relationship concerns, life transitions, and the challenges of balancing competing responsibilities. We offer a collaborative and supportive space to better understand yourself, build resilience, and move through life’s complexities with greater clarity and confidence.