Therapists for college students near University of Southern California

I partner with individuals offering compassionate, trauma-informed care that promotes healing and personal growth. Partnering as a relational helper, I hope to expand from problem-focused stories to those of strength and resilience, matched with empowerment and a clearer sense of agency, working together to create the desired changes. I have experience working with individuals, from diverse backgrounds. My areas of work have included but are not limited to struggles around anxiety, depression, identity concerns, self-esteem issues, trauma, life transitions, relational issues, and daily stressors. I use an eclectic approach, drawing from various practices such as relational therapy, narrative therapy, client-centered therapy, attachment theory, some features of dialectical behavioral therapy, psychodynamic framework, and I approach therapy through a mindfulness, justice-orientated, culturally sensitive, queer-affirmative and a trauma informed lens. I believe in a relational process in which finding a therapist that is a "good fit" as the groundwork for a supportive, transformative process. I believe that every individual can examine their life's journey and own their story; all while strengthening self-compassion and working to navigate who and how to be in relationships. Stepping into the therapeutic process is the first movement towards self-discovery and growth! "Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do" -Brene' Brown

Erin Addams <mft.erin2@gmail.com> Fri, Jan 10, 5:35 PM to Leah With over 10 years of experience in mental health, Erin is dedicated to providing compassionate and insightful therapy to individuals, couples, and families. As a graduate of University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Erin combines evidence-based practices with a deeply empathetic approach to support clients on their journey towards mental wellness. Through humor and direct communication, Erin still manages to create a safe and nurturing space, empowering clients to explore their inner worlds, develop effective coping strategies, and foster meaningful connections. Erin specializes in anxiety, depression, relationship dynamics, and trauma, and she is passionate about helping clients build resilience and lead fulfilling lives.

On the outside, things look successful. People rely on you, and you generally handle what’s in front of you. But internally, it can feel very different. Your reactions feel stronger than you expect. You hold yourself to impossibly high standards. That critical inner voice is quick to point out what you should have done better. Even when you accomplish something meaningful, it rarely feels like enough. You may be someone who was labeled “gifted” or high-achieving early on. You’re thoughtful, capable, and used to performing well under pressure. Yet the constant drive to get it right can leave you exhausted. You might notice tension in your body that never quite goes away or difficulty truly relaxing. You understand your patterns and may have even done therapy before, but insight alone hasn’t fully created the change you’re looking for. In our work together, we move beyond simply talking about the problem. I integrate EMDR and somatic-informed approaches to help your nervous system process experiences that may still be driving anxiety, perfectionism, or emotional intensity beneath the surface. When the body has a chance to settle, the mind often follows. Therapy becomes less about “figuring it out” and more about creating meaningful, embodied change. Our sessions are collaborative, focused, and respectful of your time and intelligence. I provide a calm, professional space where you can slow down without losing momentum. Together, we clarify what matters most to you and work toward a life that feels grounded, balanced, and genuinely fulfilling; not just successful on paper. If you’re ready for therapy that goes deeper than insight alone and supports lasting change, I’d be glad to connect. I invite you to schedule a free consultation through my website.

In my case, it was both personal experiences and deep interest in the understanding of people. I have always been interested in how we navigate life’s challenges and how we can grow from them. Early on, I saw how powerful it can be to have someone listen with empathy and help make sense of difficult situations. That really sparked my desire to pursue therapy-to be that support for others. I ultimately believe that everyone deserves a space to be heard, understood, and empowered to make positive changes. I understand how very important it is to feel heard and understood, and I am committed to creating that space with you. I will listen without judgment and make sure I clearly hear your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I will ask questions to further that understanding and reflect back what I hear so that you know I’m with you in this process. What I want for you is to feel heard and understood, and at any time if something feels misunderstood, please let me know because it is important to me that you feel validated and respected throughout this process. We go at your pace, and I am transparent regarding the process, goals, and any obstacles. Trust means I’m here for you with no judgments and that I truly care about your well-being. Our work together will be a collaboration in which we explore your thoughts, feelings, and challenges. Honesty is the best policy-if something isn’t working, I encourage you to let me know so that we can make an adjustment. Most importantly, this is a safe space where you are heard, respected, and valued for your unique experiences.

Coastline Counseling Group is a group of licensed and associate therapists who come alongside our clients whatever they may be going through, whether this is relationship conflict or a breakup, anxiety and overwhelm, depression, or healing from trauma. We are just a message or phone call way and should be able to get you in within a week. We offer both in person and telehealth options/

Navigating Rough Waters Therapy is my private practice. I'm Dr. Lara Kennerly, PsyD, a Licensed Psychologist with over two decades of clinical experience helping adults with a wide range of mental health challenges in various treatment settings (e.g. private practice, inpatient/outpatient, College Counseling Center, onsite PSP for Correctional staff & First responders in an active disaster zone), trained in most well-known evidence-based approaches, and am also certified in several other highly specialized approaches (EFIT, CPTSD, ADHD) I offer in-person psychotherapy in Sacramento and virtual therapy sessions for clients throughout California. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, PTSD, CPTSD, people pleasing, social anxiety, interpersonal difficulties, self-esteem struggles, body image issues, ADHD, OCD, perfectionism, Attachment Trauma, unprocessed pain from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE's), and other emotional challenges. My approach to therapy is Trauma-Informed, Psychodynamic, and Insight-oriented. That means we don't just focus on managing symptoms. Instead, we explore the emotional patterns and life experiences that drive how you think, feel, and relate to others. That kind of deeper work leads to real, lasting change. Many clients come to therapy because anxiety, past trauma, or chronic stress has begun affecting their emotional well-being, relationships, or sense of purpose, and are complicating current major life challenges like having to adjust to big changes in their lives or confidently make major life decision about their futures. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure about the next step in your life, therapy can help you gain insight and move forward with greater emotional balance and confidence.

Welcome! I’m glad you are here. Are you struggling with worries, fears, relationships? Is stress keeping you awake at night, difficulty concentrating and getting stuff done--or maybe just wondering what is the point of it all? You want to feel happy and enjoy life, but issues with your self-esteem make it hard to feel secure. You want to be more successful in managing where to control and when to let go, but feel held back with anxiety, depression, and stress. If you feel out of balance, down, dealing with life craziness, or bad relationship cycles – I’m here for you. With over 24 years experience, I can help you feel better and make better choices. You are not alone. Using therapy tailored specifically to you, you can learn skills to set better boundaries, manage anxiety and panic, and quickly rebound from negative cycles. My style is warm, honest, and interactive. I value getting to know you and supporting you through all the stages in your life. I'm a licensed long time therapist in private practice and I have taught many college psych classes. I'm also a mom of 2 teens and a little ShihTzu dog.

Online therapy appointments available and easily scheduled through www.parheliawellness.com to make the process of getting help easier. You are the expert of you. As such, collaboration and trust are key parts to helping you guide treatment to suit your needs and meet your goals. In our first appointment, I hope to work with you to help you decide your next steps. To schedule an online appointment, click on the "website" button where you can click on "request appointment." A bit about me. I have a strong affection for anything outdoors where I can run, climb, hike, ski, and explore with my family and friends. My personal and professional experiences have prompted me to use advocacy as a tool to contribute to positive meaningful change working towards a more equitable, inclusive and just world. This is reflected in my work as a clinician, researcher, and community service member. For this reason, I am committed to lifelong experiential learning and growth to hone my capacity for cultural humility. I welcome adults of all ages, abilities, genders, orientations, ethnicities, and spiritual beliefs to reach out for care.

Balancing college with the rest of your life can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. I am here to offer insight and practical support as you navigate your educational journey. I believe in a collaborative approach that honors your unique history and individuality, ensuring you feel heard and valued rather than just evaluated. Whether you need formal assessments for test accommodations (for your classes, or high-stakes exams like the GRE, LSAT, MCAT, or other licensing exams like the Bar exam), counseling to manage the stress of increased academic demands or adjusting to being a college student, or executive functioning coaching to handle your growing workloads, I am here to help. Let’s work together to find solutions, and build a strategy that makes your educational and life goals achievable.

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.

Adulting is hard. As we go through transitions in our lives, it can be a time that is both exciting and stressful. In my work, I enjoy supporting college students as they tackle all the ups and downs that come their way. I especially love helping those who are the first in their families to go to college because I've been in their shoes. In my practice, I specialize helping individuals who have experienced trauma and I love blending my passions for music, dance, fitness, and yoga with my professional experience to help young people find their way, develop, and overcome challenges.

I am passionate about supporting clients to heal and thrive in their lives – reaching their goals and a sense of self that brings wellness and fulfillment. I have 15 years of professional experience working in social programs and services – including a diverse range of clients, including veterans, LGBTQI+, seniors, high-achieving professionals, students and young adults. I work with people experiencing PTSD, anxiety, depression, substance use/harm reduction, anger management, severe mental illness, workplace challenges and career goals. I am interested in working with individuals of all ethnicities, faiths, cultural/belief systems, genders, and sexual orientations. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and my Masters Degree from the University of Southern California (USC). I work with clients as experts in their own lives. I focus on collaborating with clients to identify their intrinsic strengths to build resilience and achieve the life they want for themselves. I believe that developing awareness and understanding of one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions develops personal insights and motivation to support optimal mental health. I utilize evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches, combining motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, mindfulness, art therapy, coaching and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to build tools for healthy functioning and overall wellness.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by life stressors or struggling with confusing emotions? Has stress or anxiety started to affect the way you think, feel, or interact with the people around you? Maybe you’re facing ongoing pressure from family or relationship conflicts and need support coping. I specialize in helping individuals navigating the impact of stress, anxiety, adjustment challenges, communication difficulties, and relationship conflicts. I also support individuals experiencing burnout, depression, substance use, or the effects of trauma. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where we can explore and process emotions, thoughts, and behaviors together. I work with individuals wanting to: >Develop a more balanced relationship with themselves and others >Challenge old patterns and create new, healthier ones >Embrace changes that have or will occur >Learn and Apply practical tools and strategies to cope with ongoing stressors My Approach: My approach combines relational, holistic, and practical strategies to give you tools for short-term relief while also creating lasting change. We’ll explore how your environment and past experiences have shaped you, and find new ways to cope, regulate emotions, and express your needs. Together, we’ll build on your strengths and clarify the goals that matter most to you—working at a pace that feels right for you.

Through a warm, mindful, and compassionate approach to therapy, I aim to foster a welcoming and safe space for you to explore your journey to meaningful healing and self-discovery. Welcome, my name is Vi! I hold different marginalized identities as a woman of color, an immigrant from Việt Nam, a former international student; and have lived experience with anxiety, depression, trauma, racism, and oppression. I also hold privileged identities: able-bodied, cisgender, straight, Christian, and grew up in a middle-class family. These identities allow me to discover life through these intersectional lenses, and I am grateful for all of them. Through my own healing journey, I instantly learned clinicians with similar identities and cultural backgrounds who could fully facilitate a space of growth in my identity as an Asian immigrant woman was lacking. This disheartening experience fueled my passion to provide a space to highlight and honor immigrant and AAPI experiences through my work as a licensed clinical psychologist. It is a privilege and blessing for me to be able to provide the space that was previously unavailable, and to collaborate with international students, immigrants, and AAPI-identified folks, as well as individuals who occupy an intersection of their identity that is marked by marginalization and oppression.

These are times of upheavel. Novel coronavirus pandemic, climate chaos, & violence on BIPOC and LGBTQ folks reinforced by our systems. Isolation induced depression. Overwhelm, numbness, and agitation with systems brutality and uncertainty. Despair with job and wage insecurity and loss. Lowered immunity and illness exacerbated by chronic fear, anxiety, oppression, and exhaustion. Unprocessed grief and anticipatory grief. In this time of uncertainty and great systems upheavel, we need to be intentional and creative in (re)connecting with each other and ourselves, families, and communities. Video sessions during this unprecedented time in the safety and comfort of your home. **Special outreach and focus to healthcare workers, elders, parents, people of color, and others on the frontlines — to pause and (re)ground in our day-to-day.** We need mending to sustain and to (re)imagine what is possible, for ourselves, families, communities, and systems.

I work with couples and adults. I help college students who are dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or feel overwhelmed by the transition to college, their workload, or have experienced a loss. I help couples rebuild/strengthen their friendship, learn how to manage their conflict and find ways to compromise, deal with differences in parenting, process past hurt, and deal with other stressors that can impact the relationship, such as OCD, Depression, in-law problems, work schedules, or working together. I also offer premarital counseling for couples hoping to navigate important conversations prior to marriage. I support adults with work stress, anxiety, family/relationship issues, grief, divorce, and acclimating to college or any other big life transition. I'm certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and received intensive training in the Gottman Method for Couples therapy. Both are research- based, which means they have been shown to be effective. It also means that there are many tools that I can draw from to support you. Reaching out for help is a vulnerable thing and finding the right therapist is KEY to a successful journey in therapy. I offer free phone or video consultations to make sure you get a sense of what it might be like to work with me, and for me to hear more about you and make sure I have the tools/experience to help you. I hope to hear from you soon!

My passion for working in this field stems from a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of mental well-being. Every individual deserves the opportunity to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life and I am honored to support individuals in achieving this. Witnessing the resilience and courage of my clients as they navigate mental health challenges is profoundly inspiring. It fuels my commitment to provide compassionate support and evidence-based interventions that empower them to overcome obstacles and thrive. By fostering empathy, awareness, and de-stigmatization, I aim to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals struggling with mental health concerns. I do this by practicing active listening, which involves giving my full attention to what the client is saying—both verbally and non-verbally. I reflect back what I hear to ensure I understand their perspective and emotions accurately. I also ask clarifying questions when necessary and validate their experiences, showing that I respect their feelings and struggles. By being non-judgmental and compassionate, I help clients feel safe to share more openly. Ultimately, my goal is to create a space where they feel accepted and understood, which fosters trust and the ability to make progress in therapy. I work to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotions. This begins with being genuinely present and engaged in our sessions, listening actively, and responding with empathy. I also ensure that I maintain clear communication about the therapy process, respecting the client’s pace and autonomy. By being consistent, reliable, and transparent about goals and boundaries, clients are more likely to feel secure and confident in the therapeutic relationship. Additionally, I validate their experiences and emotions, which helps to foster mutual respect and understanding. Over time, this collaborative and supportive dynamic allows us to work together toward meaningful change.

My path to becoming a therapist grew out of my experience working in crisis settings, including emergency mental health and trauma care. I had the privilege of supporting people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, and I saw firsthand how powerful it can be to have someone who listens without judgment and helps make sense of overwhelming experiences. Those experiences inspired me to continue this work in a way that allows for deeper healing and long-term growth. I believe that change and self-discovery go hand in hand, and I’m passionate about helping people find relief, build resilience, and create meaningful lives that align with who they are. Feeling heard begins with taking the time to truly understand your story. I prioritize empathic attunement, meaning I listen carefully not only to what you’re saying but also to how your experiences, relationships, and environment have shaped your perspective. Rather than making assumptions or rushing toward solutions, I work collaboratively with you to understand what your experiences mean to you. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe bringing your thoughts, emotions, and questions without fear of judgment. As we build that understanding together, we can begin exploring new perspectives and identify changes that feel authentic and meaningful. I view therapy as a collaborative partnership. You are the expert on your own life, and my role is to help guide the process with curiosity, compassion, and clinical experience. I draw from Gestalt therapy and other evidence-based approaches to help increase awareness, strengthen insight, and support practical changes that fit your unique goals. Building trust takes consistency, honesty, and mutual respect. I’ll check in regularly about how therapy is feeling for you, welcome your feedback, and adjust our work together as your needs evolve. My hope is that our therapeutic relationship becomes a place where you feel accepted, challenged when appropriate, and supported as you grow. One thing I enjoy sharing is that I love spending time outdoors. Whether it’s going for a hike, exploring a new trail, or simply getting outside to reset, I find that nature helps me stay grounded and present. It’s a reminder that taking small moments to recharge can make a big difference, and I encourage clients to discover what helps them reconnect with themselves in their own lives.

Do you find yourself struggling with intrusive, unwanted or “sticky” thoughts? Maybe your mind is constantly jumping to the worst case scenario, gets caught up in endless “what ifs,” or convinces you that you need to be 100% sure about something before you move on. You may have tried managing your anxiety or thoughts by avoiding certain people, places, or situations, reassuring yourself, mentally reviewing or rehearsing conversations, cleaning, saying a prayer, thinking a good thought to neutralize a bad thought, etc. You don't want to spend so much time engaging in these behaviors, but you feel like you can't stop — like you have to do them to stop something bad from happening, or to feel better. The relief you get from these behaviors is temporary, because the thoughts and feelings always come back, making you feel even more frustrated and hopeless. Over time you’ve noticed your world has started to shrink, and things have become difficult to manage. You struggle with paying attention in class, getting assignments in on time, procrastination, spending time with friends, or making decisions. You feel trapped, alone, and scared. If any of this resonates with you, I'm here to tell you that these experiences are common for those living with OCD and anxiety. The good news is that your life doesn't have to stay this way. With the right treatment, it’s possible to break free of OCD and anxiety and get back to the things that matter most to us. If you are interested in taking the next step please text, call, email, or fill out a form on my website to schedule a free 15 min consultation.

Santa Cruz Therapy Collective (SCTC) is a place for support, healing, and growth. We understand what you’re going through: work burnout, childhood trauma, panic, family distress, sadness. As a group of experienced colleagues who have worked together for years, we have numerous specialties, making sure you connect to a therapist who understands and can help you overcome your struggles. We’re trained in science-backed techniques that help you become more mindful, reflective, and connected as you build resilience, manage distress, and feel more fulfilled. As a therapy client at SCTC, you’ll have engaging, thought-provoking sessions that give you clarity, perspective, and self-compassion.