Therapists for college students near UCLA

Medical training can be deeply meaningful—and relentless. High expectations, long hours, constant evaluation, and responsibility for others can make it difficult to maintain perspective, extend yourself the same compassion you offer patients, or stay connected to the people and parts of life that matter to you. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT) with extensive experience integrating the arts into psychotherapy. Expressive arts practices offer a way to step outside habitual thinking, gain perspective, and reconnect with creativity, self-compassion, and balance. No artistic experience is needed. Together, we can address perfectionism and self-criticism, anxiety or low mood, relationship challenges, or simply the difficulty of feeling like yourself within a demanding environment. I spent fourteen years at UCSF, where I integrated creative approaches into treatment for people experiencing moderate to severe mood symptoms. I also hold a credential in perinatal mental health. I offer online psychotherapy throughout California and walk-and-talk sessions in San Francisco parks. My goal is to help you find some space around what feels difficult, reconnect with what matters to you, and enjoy more of the life you’re working so hard to build.

Hi! We are compassionate about helping young adults with life transitions. Change is hard and stressful. Managing classes, work and a social life can be a real challenge. Life transitions and change leave us feeling anxious/depressed...and struggling to feel ourselves. We are here to help you find balance again.

I conduct psychoeducational evaluations to assess children and adults for Learning Disabilities including Dyslexia, Attention/ADHD, Executive Functioning, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Giftedness, Depression, Anxiety, and other educationally relevant mental health concerns. Comprehensive evaluations may include assessing a student's cognitive functioning, processing abilities, academic achievement, social/emotional functioning, and/or adaptive behavior. Psychoeducational evaluations for adults are conducted on those who may need support within higher education, in the workplace or to seek employment, and with high-stakes professional exams. Comprehensive evaluations allow us to identify needs and areas of concern, as well as highlight areas of strength. They allow us to best determine a student's learning profile and what supports they may need to access their education, which is why assessment is a crucial first step. Please reach out for your assessment and consultation needs.

Healing isn't always linear. I believe it is important to honor your emotions and prioritize the things in life that bring you joy and purpose. In my practice I focus on serving adolescents, college and graduate students, and young professionals going through life-stage transitions. I am passionate about working with AAPI and Indigenous groups, and those transitioning to the Mainland from Hawaii. My specialty areas include intergenerational familial conflict, Asian Americans working in tech and healthcare, South and East Asian interracial relationship dynamics, and stress reduction with medical students. I use a strengths-based, holistic approach to treatment, and emphasize providing culturally congruent care that is aligned with your unique identities. I help you live more authentically and in a way that fits with your values. I also implement story telling as a narrative-based intervention as means to help you feel fully seen and heard. Overcoming challenges and transitions are an inherent part of personal growth, but you don't have to journey alone. I offer therapy services to clients located in California and Nevada. Email or call me today for a free 15-minute consultation and let's take the first step together.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am a former 1st-gen student who is passionate about supporting individuals as they navigate higher education. Whether that means breaking out of problematic patterns, having better relationships, or living a more fulfilled life, I am here to walk with folks through that journey. My approach is relational, strengths-based, and eclectic, as I try my best to provide culturally-responsive care that recognizes not just the individual, but the systems and contexts they are living within. I support students experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, perfectionism, self-esteem issues, and more. I specialize in BIPOC and college mental health and provide individual virtual therapy as well as ADHD and Learning Disability testing.

What Makes Thrive Hive Different? A Supportive Team Dedicated to Your Healing Therapy is not one-size-fits-all. We take the time to truly understand who you are, including your unique experiences, identity, challenges, and strengths, so we can support you in moving forward with greater clarity, confidence, and resilience. At Thrive Hive, you'll find: A welcoming, nonjudgmental space where you can feel safe, heard, and understood Flexible in-person and virtual therapy options that fit your lifestyle Care that moves at your pace, free from pressure or expectations Therapists who honor and respect your lived experience, culture, and identity A compassionate team committed to equity, safety, and holistic well-being Therapy Services Designed Around You Personalized Care for Meaningful Growth Your therapy experience should be as unique as you are. We tailor our approach to your individual needs, helping you heal, grow, and build a healthier, more fulfilling life. Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, or personal growth, we work collaboratively with you to identify goals, build on your strengths, and create lasting change. Evidence-Based Care That Supports Lasting Change Our therapists draw from trusted, research-supported approaches that are thoughtfully tailored to your goals, strengths, and emotional needs. We believe meaningful change happens when therapy is personalized, collaborative, and grounded in proven clinical practices. By combining evidence-based treatment with genuine human connection, we help you develop practical tools, deepen self-understanding, and create sustainable change that extends beyond the therapy room.

Reaching out for help is often the most difficult step. We may think “Why wasn’t I strong enough to deal with this on my own?” or “What is wrong with me?”. We may even downplay our experiences, thinking “There are others who have it worse” or “I’m just being dramatic.” It’s okay to have these thoughts, and it’s okay to realize that we can’t do it all on our own. As your therapist, I am here to support you in all aspects of the human experience – especially the ones that make us question ourselves. Whether it be feelings of shame, grief, inadequacy, or something else that is challenging to name, I will be there to guide you gently through. I utilize empathy, compassion, and gentle curiosity in the therapy room. As a collaborator in your process, I will help you to explore and discover while always allowing you to set the pace for your own journey. As a companion, I will be by your side when difficult emotions arise – guiding you through coping mechanisms, providing resources, and strengthening support systems. I believe that everyone has within themselves exactly what they need to live their most satisfying life. My role is to help you uncover that which is already within. In this way, I utilize a Solution-Focused approach to highlight strengths and identify small steps towards healing and change. I also integrate techniques from Emotionally Focused Therapy, CBT, DBT, and IFS in order to tailor therapy specifically to each person’s needs. As a Latina and descendent of immigrants myself, I am passionate about intergenerational healing and breaking cycles. I take an inclusive approach to therapy, taking into account social, political, cultural, and economic contexts when considering family stories and histories. I specialize in working with individuals, families, and couples navigating the stressors associated with living in different cultures and mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. Reaching out for help is an act of courage. I am glad you are here.

I understand the challenges college and grad students face: Academics and work have been keeping you so busy and the overwhelm is starting to catch up to you fast. Perfectionism and imposter syndrome have been a real annoyance in your life. Your thoughts are constantly racing. You feel the weight of the world sitting on your chest. You speak pretty harshly to yourself. It’s really hard to communicate your needs to others, and big emotions are hard to shake. You’re feeling more and more disconnected in life. I've been working with college & grad students at various universities throughout the country for the past 14 years. I also have had the honor of supporting people in their early career journey, from graduating, to passing various exams required by their profession, to getting their first job and transitioning into that new chapter. I approach therapy in a thoughtful, comprehensive, evidence-based, and holistic way that is tailored to meet each person’s unique needs. I’ve been told that the work I do is approachable, that our time together feels safe, that I understand the experiences that Gen Z and Millennials bring in, and those that I work with experience big changes in their lives in a relatively short amount of time. You are welcome here!

Dr. Ca-Lie Cheng-Wang is a bilingual (English and Mandarin-speaking) licensed clinical and forensic psychologist in San Diego, California. Working closely with individuals experiencing relationship dysfunctions, addictions, substance use disorders, personality disorders, traumas, emotional distress, addictions, psychosis, mood-related issues, eating disorders, and acculturation issues. She provides psychotherapy and psychological evaluations to adolescents and adults. Through her work as a clinical psychologist, she helps patients overcome struggles and develop better-coping strategies to manage stressors. Dr. Cheng-Wang also provides risk assessments, psychological assessments, and evaluations to determine the patient’s current emotional states, biopsychosocial functioning, diagnosis, appropriate treatment plans, recommendations, and/or remediations. Dr. Cheng-Wang works closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, and other agencies to determine how to best treat and care for her patients. Dr. Cheng-Wang earned her Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University in San Diego, California in 2017. Dr. Cheng-Wang earned her psychoanalytic fellowship from San Diego Psychoanalytic Center, San Diego, California. She is a member of the Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology. She presently is an Adjunct Professor at California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP), Alliant International University in the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) departments, teaching Cognitive-Affective Bases of Behavior courses. Furthermore, Dr. Cheng-Wang was an Associate Level Certification with the State of California Sexual Offender Management Board (CASOMB). In addition, Dr. Cheng-Wang was the Secretary of the San Diego Psychological Association Supervisor Committee. Dr. Cheng-Wang has experience working in the forensic field, detention facilities, outpatient clinics, long-term residential treatment facilities, school, and hospital treatment settings. Her clinical experiences have been focused on diverse clientele, ranging from toddlers to geriatrics. She has experience providing individual, family, and group psychotherapy. Her specialty areas including the treatment of addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, relationship issues, attachment disorders, autism spectrum, anger management, personality disorders, and substance-related issues.

High achievers are often their own worst critics. This can lead to anxiety, depression, and relationship problems. As I help my clients to develop greater self compassion, they experience amazing changes in many aspects of their lives. Email me and we can set up a free 20 minute consult to talk about working together. I conduct secure video sessions with clients in CA and FL. I am an HSP specialist (Highly Sensitive Person), and I use IFS (Internal Family Systems) strategies and mindfulness techniques to help people to more deeply understand themselves.

Hi! I’m Andrea, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the owner of Tulipa Therapy. I have over 15 years of experience in community mental health, juvenile justice, and school system settings. I work with adults and teens and love holding space for people and their experiences. I’m certified in maternal mental health and my specialties include, anxiety, burnout, grief/loss, life transitions, perfectionism, self-esteem, motherhood, and parenting. I use a holistic and client-centered approach and prioritize creating safe and compassionate spaces where you can show up exactly as you are in the present moment. My focus is on you—you lead the way, and we go at a pace that feels right for you. It’s really important to me that you feel comfortable every step of the way. I believe the therapeutic relationship is the most important piece to successful therapy. It’s really important to me that you feel safe and comfortable because that trust is the foundation for everything we'll do together. My role is to support you, listen without judgment, and help guide you through whatever you’re facing. Too often, struggles are faced in isolation, and I don’t want you to carry the weight alone. Healing is hard but so worth it, and I am here to walk this path with you.

Hi, I'm Breanna Aguirre, PMHNP-BC. I provide virtual mental health care for children, teens, and adults throughout California. I offer comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medication management for ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma-related conditions, mood disorders, and other mental health concerns. My approach is evidence-based, collaborative, and personalized, with the goal of helping each patient feel heard while creating a treatment plan that supports their goals. I accept several major insurance plans and offer convenient telehealth appointments throughout California.

I joined Thriving Campus because college students are faced with a variety of challenges, including adjusting to being in college and becoming self-sufficient as a young adult, and these challenges have an impact on the mental health of college students. I find it is very important to work with college students to meet them where they are currently and help them build on their strengths in order to navigate college life and its challenges.

I'm an EMDR-trained therapist specializing in complex PTSD and relational trauma – the kind that rewires how we love and how we see ourselves. I help young adults and couples heal from attachment wounds, abandonment issues, sexual trauma, infidelity, and anxious-avoidant relationship cycles. I work from a psychodynamic and trauma-informed lens, drawing from IFS, DBT, and ACT. Therapy with me is collaborative – together, we’ll process what’s beneath the surface to shift the core beliefs keeping you stuck. I’ll meet you where you are… and push you when you’re ready. This is a space where you don’t have to perform. If something here resonated with you, that probably isn’t a coincidence. Reach out to schedule a free consult. :)

I have been a therapist since 2004 working in both private and group practice with adults and children before joining with Kaiser Permanente psychiatry in 2012, recently returned to sole private practice in 2021. I earned my clinical social work degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, which was awarded a top 5 ranking in the field. I additionally have completed post-graduate studies at University of Virginia Mary Ainsworth Clinic and American School of Clinical Psychology in Washington DC. While I enjoy use of various therapy methods, including CBT and ACT to treat anxiety and depression, I have a particular passion in the use of EMDR for trauma and stress disorders. I consider myself very privileged to have trained with and sought consultation with Andrew Leeds, who is an EMDRIA board member and foundational researcher in the field. .Many of my clients have reported this technique to be a fast and highly effective treatment that they wish they had considered sooner. Please feel free to look over the links regarding the high-effectiveness of EMDR and to reach me with any questions. Additionally, I have extensive expertise in the area of dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) another great therapy style that I can strongly recommend, I was very fortunate to be part of a 2012 Ben Hudnell Grant to develop a DBT program for Kaiser Permanente’s Psychiatry Department, initially at the Washington DC clinic and then later heading the program for KP Psychiatry in Pleasanton, CA; running these programs from 2015-2021. I find the coping skills taught in DBT to be essential, not only for reducing suffering and problem behaviors, but for helping to create a life worth living. While DBT was initially developed to assist those with Borderline Personality Disordered traits, it has broadened to include helping those looking to manage with mood swings, anger, relationship problems, binge eating, bipolar disorders, anxiety and depression, as well as assisting those is continuing recovery from addictions. I especially recommend DBT for those who struggle with anger or shutting down, as relationship dynamics are really where difficult can present. I teach both basic DBT and advanced practice, whether your new to process or experienced I am happy to support your process in session. There is the hope to include group education and process, in the future, pandemic needs permitting. I see my clients online via secure telehealth on Mondays and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays are available for in-person for those full-vaccinated and without COVID exposure concerns. You may schedule a free 20-minute telehealth consult via website below.

Struggling to navigate life's challenges? You're not alone. Whether you're grappling with the pressures of growing up or facing the aftermath of difficult experiences, I'm here to help you reclaim control and find fulfillment. The weight of adversity and trauma can manifest in various ways – from crippling anxiety and persistent sadness to strained relationships and shattered self-esteem. These symptoms don't define you; they reflect the battles you've bravely faced. Let's create a safe space to rewrite your story and embrace self-compassion, paving the path to your authentic life. My approach is rooted in collaboration and amplifying your strengths. Through an evidence-based, integrative methodology, tailored specifically to your needs, we'll chart a course towards transformation. As an EMDR trained clinician, I specialize in untangling the knots of painful memories, clearing the path for your onward journey. My mission is to help you break barriers and thrive. You deserve a space that's warm, free of judgment, and brimming with honesty – a space where your story finds solace, your dreams take flight, and your strengths are celebrated. Ready to take the first step? Reach out, and let's explore how I can accompany you on your journey to healing.

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

With over 15 years of combined experience providing mental health services, our practice provides knowledge and experience specific to working with college-aged folks. There are a lot of challenges and transitions that come with the passage of teen to adult. Recent studies suggest over 40% of college students experience symptoms of anxiety or depression. Our therapists provide guidance and tools to help you find a healing path toward wholeness and happiness. In addition, we provide expertise in the domains of identity and gender, sexual health and relationships, substance use, and trauma. We look forward to hearing from you and connecting you with the therapist who can best fit your needs.

Anxiety and depression are so prevalent these days. Coping with difficult transitions such as adjusting to college, being weighed down by existential/career pressures can feel so overwhelming. Romantic struggles are also stressful, including conflict with your beloved related to intimacy, infidelity, etc. Communication with your partner/family member can feel so frustrating at times. "Getting on the same page" with your partner prior to taking the next step would feel great. Coping with a loss can make you feel powerless. These are all really heavy life challenges that many of us face, but you don't have to face them alone. I am here to help. I work with individuals and couples by providing you with the tools you need for healthier relationships, better communication, and more fulfillment. I will help you sort through the various questions that impede love and joy in your life. I also offer Brainspotting, a revolutionary brain-body processing method that heals emotional wounds/traumas which may take longer to heal with traditional talk therapy alone. I look forward to offering you an opportunity for more healing!