Therapists for college students near UCLA

Since I could remember, I knew that I wanted to be in a field that would give me the opportunity to help others. I chose to be a psychology major for many reasons but one of them is because I found psychology very interesting and fascinating. I also discover that being genuinely interested in people, wanting to help and having the ability to easily connect with others were strengths that would help me in my journey of being able to help others. I have a passion for helping clients enhance their personal strengths, develop coping skills for them to thrive during difficult times, life transitions and needed change. One of the most important thing for me as a therapist is on providing a safe environment to my clients. I do it by being genuine, empathetic and compassionate. I also use actively listening to really understand the client’s perspective on their situations, and also what they want out of treatment. One question that I found important is to ask my client about their previous experiences in therapy and what was something that they did not like or liked in order to understand more what they might need from out therapeutic relationship. I like working collaboratively with my clients to build healthier relationships with themselves and others. I truly believe that people are the experts of their lives. Using compassion, active listening, kindness and a collaborative approach has helped my clients feel safer in our sessions while working together. When leaving our sessions, clients will have a roadmap for their healing and personal development journey. Through out our work together, clients will feel empower, motivate and hopeful that they can improve and achieve their treatment goals.

I like to think of therapy as a journey of inner exploration and I am along as a guide. I believe that therapy is most effective when it is a combination of intellectual understanding and emotional experience. In that regard, it feels like your feelings are our road signs that we are in the right track to self-growth. I try to not have a specific agenda going into sessions, but rather to go where it is you feel like you need to go at that time. I believe that it is my role to create a safe space for you to express and explore whatever it is that is inside you. Compassion is key, and cultivating self-compassion is one of the most important elements of therapy. I look forward to helping you explore and become more self-aware and self-compassionate!

College life is a wild ride—from the excitement of new beginnings to the "how am I going to finish this?" stress. I’m here to make sure you don't have to navigate it alone! As an LCSW licensed in CA and TX (and IA, but insurance networks coming soon) , I provide a relaxed, judgment-free space to help you tackle anxiety, relationship shifts, or just finding your footing in this big new chapter. My goal is to help you move beyond the "survival mode" of college and actually enjoy the journey. I’m currently in-network with most major plans in CA and TX, with IA coverage coming very soon! Let’s find your balance—book a session today, or a consult if you’d like to meet first!

What inspired me to become a therapist was my own personal experience with therapy as a young child. I wanted to help other people with their journey to become mentally healthy, mindful, and self-aware for a new lifestyle that is encouraging and fulfilling to them. My goal is to create a safe space for clients during sessions by being an observant, nonjudgmental, and an empathetic therapist. My philosophy is “Aim Small to Hit Big”, which means to be present in the moment and set small attainable goals for yourself to build upon your successes and celebrate accomplishments one goal at a time.

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.

For years I navigated the fast-paced world of tech, a path that provided stability but left a nagging sense of yearning. Through attending therapy myself, I began a long journey of self-discovery to finally recognize the person I truly wanted to be. This wasn’t just about a career change; it was about uncovering the voice I’d kept hidden and the connections I craved. Now, my passion lies in helping clients embark on their own journey to become their most authentic self. My goal is to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment in which clients can explore their thoughts and feelings freely. Whether you are contending with overwhelming emotions, seeking to improve your relationships, or struggling with a difficult life transition, I am here to help guide you towards greater understanding and resilience. With a compassionate and evidence-based approach, I am confident that we can work together to help you achieve your goals and lead a more fulfilling life. As a therapist, I leverage Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to empower clients to manage their emotional and behavioral struggles. During sessions, we will collaboratively identify unhelpful thinking patterns that contribute to negative emotions or problematic behaviors. We will then explore the evidence for and against these thoughts, fostering a more balanced and realistic perspective. My approach is grounded in meeting each individual where they are on their journey toward healing and growth. My background in traditional work environments allows me to uniquely connect with professionals and students facing work stress, burnout, or career dissatisfaction. Being a former video game developer who stays current on the latest trends, I also find that I easily connect with kids, young adults and teens.

My role as a therapist is to support you in exploring your personal story and observing your inner experiences. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space using warmth, humor and gentle awareness for you to feel accepted and understood. I use narrative, solution focused, and mindfulness techniques to collaborate with you. This approach allows you to reauthor your story with compassion and insight, drawing from your strengths and values to cultivate resilience.

Hi, I’m Caitlin, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW and LICSW) and founder of Tiny Cottage Therapy. I offer online therapy for college students and young adults across California and Washington who are navigating anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, and cultural or family expectations. College can bring a lot of pressure: to do well, to meet expectations, to have everything figured out. I provide a space where you don’t have to hold it all together. Together, we’ll work on understanding what’s been feeling heavy, learning tools to manage stress, and building more balance and self-trust. I take a warm, collaborative approach and focus on what feels most important to you. We’ll start where you are. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected to yourself as you move through this season of life. Most of the students I work with share a few things in common: they care deeply, try their best, and often feel pressure to keep it all together — even when they’re exhausted. They might overthink things, struggle to set boundaries, or feel torn between their own needs and what’s expected of them. Many of my clients identify as Asian American, AAPI, mixed-race, or multicultural, and are trying to balance family, culture, and school while figuring out who they want to be. Others are high achievers or caretakers who want to learn how to slow down, manage anxiety, and build a healthier relationship with themselves. If you’ve ever felt like you’re “too much” or “not enough,” or like you’re living your life on autopilot, therapy can be a place to pause, make sense of things, and start finding your own rhythm again.

I am here as a safe and inviting collaborator, let’s work together to address life difficulties nonjudgmentally. My role is to assist you in your process, supporting you in navigating your experiences and empowering you to apply the insights gained in therapy to your life. I am passionate about wellness and plan to join you with genuine curiosity and address any difficulties with mental health symptoms, shame and guilt, phases of life, relationships, grief, sense of self, disconnection, decision-making, anxiety, depression, and more. I offer sessions in-person in nature-based settings in Long Beach or via telehealth video. I'm available most weekdays and in the evenings.

My passion for working in mental health care is deeply rooted in my personal and professional experiences. As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) I hold an M.A. in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Drama Therapy from the California Institute of Integral Studies, and a B.A. from Oberlin College. I have spent the past decade working in outpatient settings, providing support to individuals navigating the trauma of substance abuse, incarceration, and violence. I have also worked extensively with members of the LGBTQIIA+ community and understand the profound impact homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia can have on mental health and access to care. These experiences have fueled my commitment to promoting healing, empowerment, and inclusive care for those who face unique and systemic challenges. To ensure that clients feel heard and understood in sessions, I approach my work from a strength-based, client-centered perspective. I believe that you are the expert on your own journey, and my role is to help you identify and uncover your strengths and resources. Together, we’ll (re)learn how to apply them to your goals while connecting with new sources of support. Throughout our work, we’ll also focus on addressing challenging relationships and exploring new ways to build meaningful connections with others, ensuring that your voice remains central in the process. Building trust and a strong therapeutic alliance with my clients is rooted in empathy, transparency, and respect for each individual’s unique journey. While I primarily use drama therapy, humanistic, and narrative techniques, I tailor our work to create a plan that best fits your needs. I firmly believe that everyone has inherent worth, a meaningful story, and valuable contributions to make in the world. My approach is collaborative, ensuring that you feel heard and understood throughout the process. Additionally, I am trained in both abstinence and harm-reduction approaches and am familiar with 12-step/Recovery language and culture.

I feel inspired to help individuals figure out how to manage challenges they are are facing and learn new skills to manage changes that are occurring so that they can feel more in control of their lives. I use a person centered approach to make sure that my clients feel understood, heard, and validated. I make sure to create a safe space for individuals so that they feel secure in opening up and working on issues that they are struggling with. I build a strong and therapeutic alliance with my clients through open and honest communication and creating a safe space for clients to share and explore their challenges and struggles.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 18 years of psychiatric clinical experience. Throughout my career, I have worked across a wide variety of diagnoses and clinical settings, from inpatient and residential programs to outpatient and telehealth care, treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, ADHD, and substance use disorders, among others. I strive to create a safe, collaborative space where individuals feel understood, respected, and supported in their care. My path to psychiatry began as a nurse in psychiatric settings, where I quickly realized how deeply mental health touches every part of a person’s life. Spending over a decade caring for Veterans, many carrying invisible wounds of trauma, PTSD, and substance use, deepened my commitment to this work and ultimately inspired me to pursue advanced practice because I wanted to do more: to sit with patients, understand the full picture, and be a consistent, trusted presence in their healing journey. My approach is collaborative, evidence-based, and grounded in the belief that you are the expert on your own life. Together, we will explore your symptoms, history, and goals to build a treatment plan that feels right for you, whether that involves medication, psychoeducation, supportive therapy, or a combination of approaches. I prioritize taking time to explain medication options clearly, check in on how you are responding, and adjust our plan as your needs evolve, so you always feel informed, respected, and in the driver’s seat of your care. I love spending time with my family and our pets, who never fail to bring much-needed joy and laughter to the day. I also have a passion for travel and how it opens my eyes to new cultures, perspectives, and ways of living which is something that quietly informs how I care for each unique person I work with. I believe that full, connected lives outside the office matter deeply to mental wellness, and I try to bring that same appreciation for balance and joy into my work with patients.

Life gets complicated. Relationships strain, grief accumulates, anxiety takes hold, and sometimes the weight of simply being human becomes more than any one person should carry alone. Whatever brought you here – a specific struggle, a quiet sense that something needs to change, or simply the courage to finally reach out – you’ve come to the right place. Sequoia Counseling Collective is a group therapy practice offering compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals and couples. Our team of skilled therapists specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, grief and loss, life transitions, perinatal mental health, and relationship challenges. We draw from a range of proven approaches including EMDR, EFT, the Gottman Method, CBT, ACT, and animal assisted therapy to provide care that is thoughtfully tailored to you.

I have been described by clients and colleagues as non-judgmental, warm (but direct), validating, and compassionate - I'd like to think that's true, but who am I to say? In any case, my hope is to help people develop self-acceptance versus self-loathing, practice self-compassion versus self-criticism, heal past wounds or trauma that continue to cause pain today, and create a purpose-driven life built around values they care about. In my personal and professional experience, the more we can accept ourselves and our "flaws", the freer we are to make meaningful changes in our lives. I work with adults, couples, and sometimes groups. I work with all types of issues, but my specialties include adult children of narcissistic and/or abusive parents, trauma-related disorders, couples therapy, men and masculinity, managing anger, self compassion/acceptance, depression/anxiety, substance use/addiction, and cultural issues (family conflict, intergenerational trauma, issues of identity, etc.). Having been on the other side, I know it's sometimes hard to know what you need, so I offer free phone consultations to help get you started on your path. My website also has resources for self-help - feel free to browse through that as well. And I usually respond quicker to email, so please feel free to message me anytime and we can schedule a time to chat!

If you want to see the universe laugh, tell it your plans.” In my 30 years of practicing psychology, this is perhaps one of my most favorite client quotes. Life is a meandering, unpredictable adventure with fulfilling, joyous times and also some unexpected and difficult challenges included. It’s not always easy to create the life and relationships that will bring fulfillment and happiness. Sometimes it’s difficult to even imagine your goals, understand what’s going wrong and think of solutions to overwhelming problems. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, low self-worth or just a general sense of dissatisfaction and unhappiness, therapy can help you gain insight into your feelings, clarify your life’s direction and help you create a life worth living by maximizing your true potential. I strive to create a safe, supportive, non-judgmental environment where we can collaboratively explore, understand and clarify your feelings as well as find more adaptive ways to cope and problem solve the issues in your life. I believe that you can’t really understand someone’s present world without understanding their past experiences and how that is negatively or positively impacting their life now. In therapy I can help you break out of old patterns that are not serving you well anymore, improve coping alternatives and psychological flexibility while concurrently providing you concrete strategies for managing overwhelming feelings in the moment and the support and empathy you need to move forward. Life is hard for everyone at some point, but in considering therapy now, you have demonstrated the courage to strive for more and take the first step towards healing and growth. Together we will create the life you’ve always wanted by exploring what is holding you back, getting in your way and answering the questions you were previously too afraid to consider. I have been practicing psychology/therapy for the past 30 years since receiving my PhD in 1993 from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I recently retired from my job of 21 years in university counseling so that I could start my own private practice and better serve the clients with whom I work. I am a “true generalist” in every sense of the word and have experience and comfort in working with many different types of individuals, couples and issues. Some of my areas of expertise are: *Transitional aged youth ages 18-35, * Relationship and Interpersonal issues * Rape/Sexual assault *Relationship Abuse *Depression *Anxiety *Couples Therapy *Sports Psychology/Performance Enhancement *Processing Childhood Emotional and Physical Abuse. *Life Transitions *Parenting Issues I am eager to join you on your journey towards happiness and fulfillment so please reach out for a free consultation and take the first step toward a better and more powerful you. I offer Telemental Health Treatment to all of California.

Having trained at the University of Notre Dame (Ph.D., M.A.), UC Berkeley (APA-accredited internship) and Stanford (post-doctoral fellowship), I bring rigorous scientific expertise into my clinical work with college students. In fact, I worked at the University Counseling Centers at all three of these schools and have continued to develop a specialized private practice that focuses almost exclusively on college students. I also teach for Pepperdine University in their Graduate School of Education & Psychology. I help clients with a range of concerns including: anxiety, depression, career and academic concerns, ADHD, relationship concerns (situationships, am I right? :) ), body image and eating disorders, perfectionism, college/life transitions, as well as family of origin challenges (let's say it together, boundaries...). I often work with high-achieving students who often are managing academically but struggling internally. My clients often put others first and themselves last. By the time they come to therapy, concerns have been going on for some time and they've reached a breaking point. They may feel they "should" be able to handle things on their own. As a recovering perfectionist and someone who was riddled with anxiety throughout college, I get it. It wasn't until my own training in CBT that I learned how destructive such thought patterns were. It inspired my clinical approach, as well as three clinical workbooks I've published on Solution-Focused Therapy, CBT, and Positive Psychology with the top mental health publishers. Many of my clients who have been to therapy before often remark how "easy" I make the process. We laugh, we learn, and talk like old friends. Therapy doesn't have to be stuffy or stressful. It's about feeling respected, validated and heard. Learning to take care of yourself, set appropriate boundaries, and thrive! I'd LOVE to work with you! Please feel free to book a complimentary 15 minute consultation at my website below so we can connect!

Many students have mental health concerns from time to time. We feel stuck or face certain challenges. Sometimes we know what’s wrong and other times, we have the nagging sensation that something feels “off.” It can be stress, anxiety, depression, or academic pressures. When we understand the causes of your troubles, we can alleviate your symptoms. And, when we do, you’ll feel renewed and be a better student, friend, romantic partner, son or daughter. When your desire for your own welfare overrules your limiting beliefs and negative self-talk, what you aspire to starts flowing into your lives—be it a relationship, academic success. Your manifestations become effortless, without internal strife and resistance.

Client's that work well with my collaborative style are often people who are struggling with life transitions. I often connect with people who are working to find different methods to manage anxiety and perfectionism. I also hold space in my practice for queer couples.

Feeling stuck or overwhelmed in just one part of your life can often start to affect other aspects of your existence. Low self-esteem or depression can creep into relationships, anxiety can keep you up all night, or relationship issues can impact how well you perform in school. Your past experiences are a filter through which you see the present moment and it can sometimes feel very confusing. When you don’t want to worry your family or friends or find it just too difficult to share with them, negative thoughts can leave you feeling especially alone and isolated and as if no one could possibly understand what you're experiencing. You are not your symptoms. Being heard and seen in a safe, compassionate and culturally sensitive environment can help you make sense of how you're feeling - especially when that treatment is tailored to your needs. My priority is to empower you to reach your goals by helping heal the emotional wounds that are holding you back or causing you pain.

Worried you haven't done enough? Experiencing indecision and disappointment in your relationships? If you're struggling to manage anxiety, now might be the time to connect. I’m a first generation Latinx/e, bilingual, and LGBTQ+ affirming therapist creating space for clients to experience radical self-compassion and express themselves fully. My style is warm and authentic, with some humor. I sit with clients as they experience difficult emotions, listen to what others have not been able to hear, and guide clients to connect with their self-worth and contend with the realities of life. Therapy is your time to think and feel with my support. Clients can expect a genuine interest in understanding them. I provide virtual therapy in CA for adults only, focusing on anxiety, perfectionism, stress, relationships, generational differences within Latinx/e communities and beyond. I draw from emotion-focused, psychodynamic, existential, and humanistic theories and therapy. Book your free consultation today. *Note: In the event of a medical or psychiatric emergency or an emergency involving a threat to your safety or the safety of others, do not call/email me to schedule a consultation call. See resources below: *Dial 9-1-1 for emergency assistance, Go to nearest hospital/emergency room  *Call or Text 9-8-8 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline *Text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line (Available for all types and levels of crises) *Dial 877-854-3594 for Human Options, a domestic violence resource *Dial 714-842-6600 for Huntington Youth Shelter, Dial 800-914-2272 for Casa Youth Shelter  *Dial 2-1-1 for additional information about local resources closest to your area