Therapists for college students near 90095

I'm a queer therapist offering trauma therapy in English and Spanish, both in person in Oakland and online. I have experience supporting college students with a wide variety of issues, from the initial adjustment to college to the preparations for the transition of graduating and figuring out what's next. You might be dealing with academic stress, social conflicts, relationship challenges, or tough dynamics with family. Therapy is a space where you don't have to take care of anyone else, where I'll show up with kind curiosity to help you make sense of what you're feeling and experiencing. I hold a compassionate and non-judgmental stance with my clients, but I don't think any of us can be truly neutral. Rather than try to achieve the old-school therapist poker face, I show up as myself in the therapy room with my whole personality (dumb jokes and all). I work with people who are fiercely dedicated to living out their values, and often find that the energy they pour into taking care of others doesn't leave much left over for themselves. When you're splitting energy between many things and people you care about, it can be hard to carve out that space just for yourself. But you deserve to receive as much care as you give. Therapy can help you practice tuning into your own needs and help you feel more agency.

My therapeutic style is warm and genuine and I like to use humor when appropriate. I am a big proponent of using therapeutic techniques that have good research evidence demonstrating their effectiveness. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for adolescents and adults. CBT teaches clients coping skills to manage their emotions and behaviors. It also changes clients' emotions by helping them change their thoughts and behaviors. I provide CBT to address the following presenting problems: depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and difficulties adjusting to major life changes. DBT is an adaption of CBT that was developed to help clients with multiple problems in multiple areas who struggle with chronically dysregulated emotions. These clients may also have suicidal behaviors, self-harm behaviors, impulsive behaviors, difficulties in their interpersonal relationships, and/or Borderline Personality Disorder. I also have specialty training in the DBT Prolonged Exposure protocol for individuals with comorbid Borderline Personality Disorder and PTSD. In terms of my education and experience, I received my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Stony Brook University in 2014. I then participated in my first postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Washington with Dr. Marsha Linehan, the developer of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Afterwards, I completed a postdoctoral fellowship with Dr. Jacqueline Pistorello at the University of Nevada, Reno, focusing on providing clinical services to college students and conducting research on evidence-based treatments for suicidal behaviors. As a faculty member at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, I taught medical students, psychiatry residents, and child psychiatry fellows about psychology, therapeutic techniques, and how to interact with patients. I opened my private practice in 2017 in Reno, Nevada and recently moved to Virginia.

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.

You may be reading this because you’ve experienced a very difficult loss or transition in your life. Maybe you have lost a loved one or a pregnancy. Perhaps you are struggling as you or a relative begin hospice care or approach the end stage of a disease. You might be grieving a beloved pet or the end of a meaningful relationship. Loss, although universal, can feel isolating and unbearable to endure. I can help you cope - you don't need to go through this alone. Through my work helping others navigate hard times, I’ve been described as a “bright light in a time of darkness.” I’m a warm and welcoming therapist with a deep understanding and capability for helping people who are struggling. Therapy with me is informed by five years spent as a hospice social worker and extensive grief and loss training. I am licensed in Illinois, New Jersey, California and Florida for online therapy. I provide therapy through a secure and convenient telehealth platform (online video conferencing). I hope you will contact me for a free 15-minute consultation on how we may work together to support you. Please note, the hours listed on this profile are in Central Time Zone.

I am a young adult & child and adolescent psychiatrist who specialize in working with college students. I think of my patients in a holistic way- using medications, lifestyle interventions, and talk therapy. I was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, and spent my childhood in Irvine. I completed most of my education on the east coast. I went to Johns Hopkins and double majored in history and public health. After college, I attended the University of Maryland for medical school. After living in Baltimore for eight years, I wanted a change of scenery and moved to New Hampshire to complete my residency training at Dartmouth. During my training at Dartmouth, I had opportunities to work with high-achieving teens and families who attended Dartmouth College with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, and perfectionism issues. After surviving long winter storms, I returned to my hometown and completed the child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at UC Irvine. I have a passion for and experience working with college students, Asian American families, and teens with LGBT backgrounds. In my free time, I like to hike, run, and kayak. Coffee is my favorite drink, and I make pour-overs every morning. As a first-generation Korean American immigrant myself, I have understood what immigrant or second-generation students go through in college and the pressures of balancing academics and family expectations. I also enjoy working with patients to explore their identities, including gender issues, sexual orientation, religion, and careers. I am double board-certified in adult and child & adolescent psychiatry.

I have been in practice over 25 years. I particularly specialize in helping young adults transition into adulthood. I understand the added stressors of this period of time including moving away from home, individuating and understanding oneself, figuring out goals for the future, and navigating personal relationships. I see problems from a family and systemic perspective in order to help create dynamic change. I work to help clients expand their understanding of themselves and discover opportunities for growth and change, often in the context of their relationships and families. I focus on helping clients change destructive relationship patterns, choose healthier lifestyles, and engage in fulfilling relationships. In addition to my educational and clinical experience, I have travelled extensively and have incorporated my knowledge of different cultures into my work as well. I believe in understanding and respecting a client’s individual and cultural diversity in all aspects of the clinical relationship.

Life can have it’s shares of ups and downs , but you don’t have to manage it while feeling alone and overwhelmed. I provide a safe, supportive space for you to deal with challenges, process your emotions and recognize your strengths, so that life feels manageable and even joyful. I particularly enjoy working with college students who have unique developmental challenges as they manage so many pressures and demands and navigate the responsibilities of adulthood. Therapy strives to help develop and maintain good self-care and healthy coping mechanisms. We work together to develop and achieve goals specific to resolving the issues you are wanting to work through. My approach is client-centered. I meet each client where they are at in their life. My work is predominantly grounded in Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy weaving in Mindful Based approaches

As a youth, I recall many instances when I experienced intense anxiety, depression, even suicidal thoughts, – but I did so in isolation, without adequate support. Mental health services were not available and not commonly accessed in my community. As a young woman I used dance and movement, and other forms of creative expression (such as writing and singing), as my means to manage emotions. I became a psychotherapist to ensure that I could be supportive to those in similar situations – to help support people in not feeling alone with the difficult aspects of life and relationships. No one should have to fight their mental health battles alone. The integration of somatic (body-focused) psychotherapy has allowed me to support others while giving them the gift that I have discovered through a life of movement – the gift of understanding the role of the body in allowing for healing. Through the use of the body in psychotherapy clients can learn how to find balance in their mind while finding peace in their emotional landscape. I believe I support clients in feeling heard and understood through using a deep curiosity to delve into each aspect of their lives. I use a collaborative approach to support clients from exactly where they are starting from. I listen intently for new ways of hearing the shared information, the client’s story. In this process, I ask questions to weave together the thread of their thoughts and concerns as it creates a path towards their progress and growth. I hold the larger picture of who they are to support the process of highlighting insights into ways of getting from where they are to where they want to be. In this way, I am deeply understanding their process of growth while empowering them to make changes in their life. I use a warm and engaging process of building connection with clients. I find it is important to face and embrace our emotional selves, allowing ourselves to be fully authentic to cultivate growth. I foster an environment that supports this authenticity and growth through using my own eccentric and eclectic approach. From within the safety of this relationship I am able to challenge clients with humor while creating space for depth. I am able to flow with what is relevant in the moment while holding their expanded story to support.

Many people find their way to my work simply because they feel a sense of “stuckness” or dissatisfaction. Together, our work will explore your aspirations, struggles, and life experience, in order to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and increase aliveness in all areas of your life.

You’ve taken the first step towards healing, which is often one of the most difficult. Thank you for being vulnerable and allowing me into your space. The world changed, and so did all of us…and that is okay! I am here to partner with children, teens, young adults, adults, and couples towards achieving healing and fulfilment, however that may look to you. My You-Centered approach places you at the helm of your journey, as we use cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological System, and other mindfulness management strategies to transform this moment. Together, we will combine these theories when discussing matters concerning goals/aspirations, relationships, interpersonal struggles, depression, self-esteem, executive functioning, stress management, phobias and fears, and substance use concerns.

I am a dedicated and compassionate, board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). The majority of my nursing career has been in high-acuity psychiatric settings, including psychiatric emergency, crisis stabilization, and inpatient behavioral health. I initially started in the Emergency Department as a new graduate nurse, where I realized that what truly resonated with me was the mental health aspect of patient care. Throughout my psychiatric nursing career, I’ve worked with diverse populations from pediatrics to geriatrics, managing complex psychiatric and co-occurring disorders, emergency crisis situations, and facilitating stabilization through comprehensive and therapeutic interventions tailored to each patient’s unique needs. What inspires me to work in mental health is the resilience of the people I’ve cared for, many of whom have faced immense stigma, systemic barriers, or trauma. I’ve seen how transformative it can be when someone feels genuinely heard and respected, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, foster youth, immigrants, and those struggling with disabilities or homelessness. Mental health is the foundation to overall health and quality of life. The ability to support someone in their most vulnerable moments and witness their transformation is what continually inspires my commitment to this field. My approach is person-centered, intentional, non-coercive, and collaborative care. I strive to meet each patient exactly where they are, emotionally, culturally, and developmentally, and aim to prioritize their autonomy. I offer compassionate, evidence-based guidance, especially in medication management, to ensure that each treatment plan aligns with the patient’s values, readiness, and recovery goals. My goal is to support patients in building lives that are not just symptom-free, but fulfilling, meaningful, and self-directed.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hi, I'm Shari, I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe that prioritizing your mental health is one of the greatest investments you can make in yourself. With over 7 years of experience, I provide an affirming, empowering, and solution-oriented approach tailored to your unique needs. My goal is to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you feel supported as we work together to build on your strengths, overcome challenges, and create meaningful, lasting change. I believe therapy is a collaborative process, and you are the expert on your own life. My approach is affirming, empowering, and solution-oriented, helping you build on your strengths while developing practical tools to navigate life's challenges. I tailor each session to your unique goals and needs, drawing from evidence-based approaches. I strive to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where you feel comfortable sharing at your own pace. We'll also begin working on the concerns that brought you to therapy, so you can leave with practical insights, strategies, and a clear path forward.

Hello, I am a psychologist with over 20 years of experience in the field. I have a couple of openings this spring/summer! My experience has allowed me to bring a deeper perspective to situations, and I know the value of giving that feedback to my clients. Do you want help with relationship problems, anxiety, depression, trauma, loss & grief, life transitions, cultural/racial issues, health problems and substance use? Send me a message and I'd be glad to do a free consult call with you. If I'm not the right therapist for you, I'm happy to give you some names of colleagues. I use a variety of approaches like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), Solution-Focused, Psychodynamic and Existential therapies. I'm licensed in Colorado, California and 42 other states through PsyPact. That means when you go home for the summer/breaks and it's likely I'll be licensed in your home state!

I have over 17 years of professional work experience and over 8 years as a LCSW. I have experience in helping clients with Stress, Anxiety, Parenting issues, Motivation, Self esteem, and Confidence. I also have experience working with life changes and relationship issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. My treatment modalities include the following evidence based practices: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Crisis Intervention. In addition, I utilize a biblical approach to teach clients how to calm their inner storm. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

My goal is to help you develop healthier ways of thinking, feeling, and relating. My style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practice. I draw from interpersonal, cognitive-behavioral, and acceptance and commitment therapy approaches to create a space that feels safe, compassionate, and tailored to you. Together, we’ll work to understand your experiences, develop new coping strategies, strengthen your resilience, and help you move toward the life you want. I believe therapy works best when it’s a partnership—one where you feel seen, heard, and empowered.

You’ve always been the one others lean on, and the go-to problem solver. Your known to be the steady hand in chaos, but no one sees what it costs you. But lately, it’s been harder to hide how much it’s costing you. You come home drained, carrying the weight of everyone else’s needs. Even when your body screams for rest, you keep going because slowing down feels dangerous. You’ve trained yourself to stay calm, to keep it all together… even when you’re unraveling inside. Maybe you lie awake at night, replaying conversations, second-guessing decisions, silently asking, “Am I doing enough? Am I enough?” Therapy gives you something you rarely get: a space that’s just for you. No pressure to perform, no need to hold it all together, just room to breathe, and be real. I’ll ask the kind of questions that help you understand what’s really happening underneath the anxiety, the overthinking, or the emotional shutdown your may be feeling. In our sessions, we move at your pace. I’ll invite you to share what’s on your mind, and I’ll meet it with care and curiosity, not judgment. I might ask things like, “Can you tell me more?” or say, “I hear you say that… am I right?” Because your story matters, you deserve to feel seen in it. We’ll use tools like a feelings chart to gently reconnect you with your emotions especially the ones you’ve had to push aside just to get through the day. You’ll learn to set boundaries that could help you feel like your taking care of yourself without feeling guilty. Little by little, you start to feel different, more present, more steady, more like you. You start to trust your emotions instead of stuffing them down. You'll recognize your needs, and you honor them not with an apology, but with clarity. The constant pressure to be everything for everyone? It softens. The worry that you’re not enough? It quiets. You still show up for the people you love, but now, you’re showing up for yourself, too. You'll start to feel calmer, clearer, and more connected to yourself and others. Therapy can be the space where you finally feel seen, heard, and supported. If you’re ready, I’m here. Let’s talk.

Hi, my name is Yu-Nien (Pulinda). I am a board certified Licensed Clinical Social Worker (APU '21) who's worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds and across a wide range of ages. I enjoying working with clients from various walks of life. My clients are often experiencing difficulties coping with emotions, feeling confused about their distress, desiring a space for authenticity and warmth, and a nonjudgmental environment. I welcome all who are experiencing various struggles in life and will support you on taking the first step towards healing. My approach is integrative and tailored to each client's unique circumstances and life experiences. The therapeutic modalities I commonly draw from include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Grief Therapy, Mindfulness-Based approaches, and Psychodynamic Therapy. As a Taiwanese bilingual (English and Mandarin) social worker, I believe in meeting clients where they are and honoring their unique experiences. Through our journey together, I will walk alongside you as you build resilience, deepen self-understanding, and develop practical tools for lasting growth and healing. 您好，我是妤寧(Pulinda)，持有加州認證Licensed Clinical Social Worker執照。在我的臨床工作經驗中，我曾與來自不同背景及各年齡層的個案合作，因此特別關注每一位來談者的獨特性，也享受了解個案不同的人生歷程與生活經驗。我發現許多個案前來尋求協助，是因為他們正在面對情緒調適上的困難、對自身的情緒困擾感到困惑，或渴望擁有一個能夠真誠表達自我、被理解、並感受到溫暖與接納的空間。我希望能提供一個不帶批判且安全的環境，讓個案能自在地探索自己的經驗與內在世界。在壓力源無處不在的世界，我們可以一起溫柔的面對焦慮、憂鬱、創傷及失去，一起消化，找到跟練習適合您的情緒穩定方法，強大您的心理能量。 我的治療取向採整合式方法，並依據每位個案獨特的處境、需求與生命經驗量身調整。我常運用的治療模式包括接納與承諾治療（Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, ACT）、認知行為治療（Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT）、悲傷與失落治療、正念取向介入，以及心理動力治療（Psychodynamic Therapy）。我相信有意義的改變建立於治療關係中的平等關係，因此我會與個案密切合作，確保治療方向符合其目標、價值觀與需求。我也特別著重找回每個來談者的自我共情（self-compassion），這也是更能療癒自己的方法之一。 我來自台灣，所以能夠流利的用英文及國語跟您合作。但我也在其他不同國家生活及移民過，所以我體會過在不同文化環境跟關係中適應和尋找自我的過程。我會考量到每位個案所處的人生階段及困擾，並尊重其獨特的生命經驗。如果我們有緣合作，我將陪伴在您身旁，協助您建立心理韌性、深化自我理解，並找到實用的，以促進持續的成長與療癒。我歡迎所有正面臨人生挑戰的人，並願意陪伴您踏出療癒旅程的第一步。

Do you wonder whether your experience may be neurodivergent or related to ADHD or autism? Do you want to better understand your mental and emotional experience? I specialize in comprehensive psychological evaluations for adults seeking clarity around ADHD, autism, and other mental health or neurodivergence-related questions. Evaluations may include ADHD diagnostic evaluations (including Telehealth ADHD diagnostic evaluations), autism assessment, cognitive testing, and broader mental health diagnostic evaluations. Comprehensive assessments provide diagnostic clarification and clinical recommendations. Each evaluation is conducted by a licensed psychologist specializing in adult psychological testing and differential diagnosis. Each evaluation includes an intake, testing, scoring, a written report, feedback, and recommendations when applicable. Evaluations may be completed via telehealth, hybrid format (telehealth combined with in-person testing), or fully in-person, depending on evaluation type and clinical needs. Telehealth ADHD diagnostic evaluations are available. I serve adults throughout Southern California, including Los Angeles, Long Beach, Torrance, and the South Bay. Cognitive testing and some other assessments are conducted in-person only. Please contact me with any questions about evaluation format or recommendations.​ My goal is to help you better understand yourself and your experiences. Evaluations use a strength-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach tailored to each individual. Evaluations are designed to be thorough, collaborative, and respectful of each individual’s lived experience. Fees vary by evaluation type and clinical complexity. Fee ranges are listed on my website (axeltesting.com). Telehealth services are available for adults throughout CA. My practice focuses specifically on adult diagnostic evaluation rather than ongoing therapy. You don't need to be certain about pursuing an evaluation to reach out. I am happy to answer questions and help you explore options. Contact me for a free consultation or questions.

Is that painful experience or worried thought stuck on repeat in your mind? Maybe it was a scary incident, negative comment, embarrassing moment or even a sports injury. Or maybe you feel incredibly nervous about exams or public speaking. Regardless, you're tired of it bothering you so much. And you're fed up with your fear stopping you from doing what you really want to do, including performing at your best. But you're ready to feel calm again. You're ready to perform without stumbling & questioning your self-worth again. And most of all, you want to perform with ease, reclaim joy and confidently move forward. I want to help you get there. I specialize in helping adults, including other therapists, who are struggling with trauma, anxiety, performance anxiety and burnout, and want to feel safe, confident and joyful again. Clients come to me looking for a non-traditional approach to help them heal profoundly. We'll work at your pace & you don't have to discuss details of your painful experience(s) if you choose. With 15 years of experience and as a Certified Brainspotting Therapist, I can help you connect to your inner healing potential. I have been a client myself so I honor the courage it takes to start looking for a therapist. I can't wait to hear from you. Call/text/email today to schedule a free 15 min consult! (please don't include sensitive info in a text).