Therapists for college students near UCLA

Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with years of experience working with individuals and families who have dealt with a variety of difficulties ranging from depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, and much more. I welcome the uniqueness that each person brings into the counseling relationship. When working with my clients, I am ultimately headed towards creating a trusting environment that is conducive to exploring and decreasing emotional distress, maladaptive behaviors and increasing personal emotional wellness. I embrace cultural competency, and I am committed to understanding the importance of my client's worldview, which I believe is vital to the therapeutic process. I also believe the instillation of hope is fundamental in order to acquire the motivation needed to make change.

If you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, overwhelm, trauma, or issues controlling alcohol use… our team can help. Our mission is to provide highly effective, personalized care that empowers and guides you through life’s challenges, transitions, and complications. We support each individual to be the best version of themselves, live a vibrant life, feel supported and less alone by utilizing our experience and evidence-based techniques tailored to meet their needs. Each therapist on my team has their own specialties and unique training. We treat a wide array of client and would love to support you in your therapy process.

As a therapist with both a personal and professional understanding of trauma, military service, and the LGBTQIA+ community, I’m well aware of the strength required to overcome hardships. That’s why I’m so inspired by my clients’ resilience and their commitment to healing. It’s an honor to stand beside them as they face the tough work of processing adversity, healing trauma and practicing a new way to fight through life’s challenges. I approach therapy with a no-nonsense, trauma-informed, and inclusive mindset. My goal is to create a space where clients feel safe, but also pushed to dig deep and face their realities. I listen closely to their stories, and together, we confront the hard truths. We reshape self-narratives, understanding that the way we speak and think about ourselves, others and the world shapes the way we live. I believe trust in the therapeutic relationship is built through respect. There is no hierarchy in therapy, but rather two people working together for change. I believe in giving clients the space to lead, while collaborating with them to confront patterns and beliefs that no longer serve them. My hope is that every client takes ownership and control over their own healing, with each step being a move toward real, lasting growth.

I am a board-certified psychiatrist and Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. For me, being a physician is more than a profession—it is a vocation to help indviduals flourish. My practice is devoted to students and young adults seeking thoughtful, individualized psychiatric care that extends beyond symptom relief. I provide comprehensive evaluations that consider medical, nutritional, lifestyle, and psychological factors—including laboratory testing when clinically appropriate—to identify the contributors to emotional and cognitive health. I also specialize in evidence-based de-prescribing for patients who wish to reduce or discontinue psychiatric medications for anxiety, attention difficulties, or substance use disorders. My approach is guided by precision, humility, and restraint: using the least intensive intervention necessary while drawing upon the full breadth of evidence-based medicine. Depending on each patient's needs and goals, I integrate psychotherapy, nutrition, lifestyle medicine, exercise, targeted supplementation, and, when appropriate, carefully selected medications into a personalized treatment plan. In addition to my clinical work, I have presented internationally on psychiatric deprescribing and medical ethics. My work has been recognized with awards from the American Psychiatric Association, the International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions, the American Psychoanalytic Association, and other leading professional organizations. I am the Founder & Medical Director of Verigrate Health. I am licensed to serve patients in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Lousiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C., and Wisconsin.

What inspired me to become a therapist is my belief that it’s never too late to make meaningful changes in life. My own path to becoming an LMFT began in my mid-30s, which gives me a personal understanding of how powerful growth and change can be at any stage. Since becoming licensed in 2010, I’ve enjoyed supporting people through challenges such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, life transitions, LGBTQIA+ concerns, and women’s issues. In our work together, my goal is to help you feel heard, understood, and supported. I believe you are the expert on your own life, and I work collaboratively with you to explore what’s getting in the way of the life you want. I often use tools from Solution-Focused Therapy, mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you gain insight, build skills, and feel empowered to make changes. Building trust is an important part of the process. In the first few sessions, I focus on getting to know you, answering any questions you have about therapy, and creating a safe, supportive space where you can speak openly. Seeking therapy takes courage, and my goal is to create a respectful and collaborative environment where we can work together toward your goals. A lighthearted detail I sometimes share is that I really enjoy all forms of entertainment, especially movies, TV, listening to music and going to live music events. It helps me recharge and stay grounded, and it’s something that often resonates with people who are also looking for ways to care for their well-being.

​My undergraduate focus was in math and science. However, through the years I decided that relationships were more important and realized that most individuals don't have the tools to form good marriage, family, and friendship connections. Much of this is the result of poor parenting that leaves an individual fearful, without confidence, and having no idea how to navigate life's challenges. Children are precious and deserve to feel loved and secure. This is difficult if their parents weren't nurtured and shown how (primarily by example) to have a loving marriage. We deserve love in marriage, and our children need that example. My graduate studies at the University of Southern California were in sociology (sex and gender focus) and marriage and family therapy. I have years of experience in parenting, responding to domestic violence, treating pornography addiction, and helping clients who are depressed and/or anxious.

I help clients work through anxiety, self-worth, and relationship challenges using CBT, Humanistic, and Solution-Focused approaches. Whether you're feeling stuck or ready to grow, therapy with me is a space to feel seen, gain tools, and move forward. You're not alone-and you don't have to figure it all out by yourself. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just ready for something to shift, I'm here to walk with you. If you're curious about working together, feel free to reach out. I'd be happy to support your journey.

Empower Youth Therapy provides individualized therapy for college students navigating academic pressure, anxiety, relationship stress, identity development, transitions, and trauma. Our approach is warm, validating, and practical — focused on helping students understand themselves more deeply while building real-life coping skills they can use in classes, friendships, and daily routines. We serve students from San Joaquin Delta College, CSU Stanislaus, CSU East Bay, Sac State, and surrounding Central Valley / Bay Area campuses. We offer a non-judgmental space to talk honestly, process what’s overwhelming, and explore who you’re becoming — especially during transitions like moving away from home, choosing a major, or preparing for your next step after graduation. We also support executive functioning, stress management, and strengthening healthy habits. We offer individual therapy for college-age students. We accept insurance and private pay. Free 15-minute consultations are available.

Dr. Ugo Ndubaku is a doctorate-prepared Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who specializes in integrative psychiatry and holistic therapy. Dr. Ndubaku supports clients whose mental health takes a toll on their everyday wellness. She aims to provide compassionate and comprehensive care for all clients. Dr. Ndubaku begins getting to know a client by learning about their backgrounds and what brings them to her care. She seeks to understand the client’s symptoms and how these symptoms impact their lives. When appropriate, Dr. Ndubaku prescribes medication to help clients feel more comfortable and less distressed throughout their regular routines. She pairs this with integrative psychotherapy as she encourages clients to take alternate perspectives into consideration. Her goal is to find an individualized plan to address each client’s needs directly.

Hello! I’m a licensed Clinical Social Worker therapist, licensed in both California and Washington State. I offer telehealth video sessions for young adults. My therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, and empowering. My goal is to create a safe, caring, non-judgmental, and strength-based approach for you to process your emotions. As a therapist, I utilize a variety of different therapeutic interventions to customize treatment to meet my clients' needs. I love empowering my clients to leave therapy feeling proud of the work they have done, and confident and capable in their next stage of life.I truly listen to my clients, openly, honestly, and without judgment. I love to tell them what they need to hear, not what they want to hear. I feel homework is a critical and crucial part of treatment, and it helps to solidify our discussions.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

We all face challenges in our lives and sometimes we need some extra support to help us overcome them. I moved to the Bay Area (from Toronto) in my early twenties without knowing a soul. It was the most exciting and also challenging time in my life. I navigated my career, dating, and relationships; all while facing the same pressures that most of us women face today. I understand feeling pulled in different directions, competing priorities, and anxieties about living up to high expectations (usually our own). Through my career and personal exploration, I came to discover the incredible benefits of Mindfulness and Meditation. I use a Mindfulness based approach in my work because I have seen it help so many people to be more present, intentional and content in their lives (myself included!). In working with me, you will find that I am compassionate, non-judgemental, direct and honest. I will help you recognize and build up your inherent strengths (yes you have them), give you coping strategies, and help you to make space for more adaptive ways of relating to the world. I am also a big believer in the healing power of humor so don't be surprised if we end up having a laugh every once in a while. I offer my services online so that busy people can still access excellent support. Please feel free to reach out for a free consultation and I look forward to learning more about you!

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.

I love being able to combine my passions for helping others, creativity, and understanding why people think, feel, and behave as they do! I believe therapy should be a collaborative relationship where we are working together on an issue, rather than me being The Expert. Instead, you are the expert on what it is like to be you in your life. I may share my perspective on what I believe may be going on and ask you to reflect on its accuracy and relevance to your experience. I take my job in the helping profession seriously. Consistent studies on why psychotherapy works indicate that the therapeutic relationship is the most important variable determining therapeutic outcomes. I relate to you as a regular person with education, training, and experience that I am eager to share with you to help you feel safe and understood. I occasionally will share relevant experiences either from past anonymous clients or from personal experience to normalize, validate, and help you feel that you are not alone in your pain.

Joy Zembruski, LMFT, LPCC, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and professional clinical counselor, as well as a proud UCLA Psychology alumna, fortunate to be based in the beautiful coastal towns of Southern California. Therapist Joy Z is experienced and open to working with a diverse population in a variety of settings. Joy’s practice—TherapyJoyZ—offers client-centered mental health services, including individual, couples, teen and family therapy as well as psychological evaluations. TherapyJoyZ specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, ADHD, addictions, and cultural adaptation, using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). Our practice is committed to providing high-quality, ethical, and compassionate care. We use evidence-based therapy methods, participate in ongoing training and continuing education, regularly review treatment progress, and follow professional and legal standards to ensure each client receives safe, effective and respectful support.

Dr. Aw's primary interest is the intersection between mental and physical health. Dr. Aw’s philosophy is that one does not exist outside the other. Furthermore, depression and anxiety in patients who are also suffering from medical issues can feel significantly worse, and it is his goal to get patients on a holistic road to recovery. An ideal patient for Dr. Aw understands that it takes a team to get them feeling better, and it is a collaboration between the patients themselves and Dr. Aw.

I am here to help you negative life’s ups and downs with understanding, practical tools, and care because I understand what it means to struggle and need that person along your journey. Whatever you’re facing, I’d be honored to walk alongside you as you find your way. My approach is all about balance. I focus on understanding your emotions and unique journey, while also helping you take meaningful steps forward. I believe in creating a safe, welcoming space where you can feel heard and supported as you rediscover your strengths and sense of agency. I’m mindful of all aspects that make you who you are, and I’m here to help you find clarity, connection, and confidence on your path.

Life can be overwhelming and bring challenges that seem bigger than ourselves. This can lead us down rocky terrain. If you find yourself exhausted, unmotivated, anxious, depressed, feeling helpless or hopeless, know that it is okay to seek help. You can change your path. As a therapist it is my goal to meet my clients where they are on their path, to assist them in learning how to access their inner strengths, to practice self-compassion, and learn to overcome harmful narratives developed from past traumas. I work collaboratively with my clients to help them achieve their goals and live a more fulfilled life. Change can be uncomfortable but with a strong therapeutic relationship and support it can feel more manageable, empowering, and exciting. The core of my practice is a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, self compassion work, and mindfulness. I am also a registered art therapist allowing for therapeutic exploration through art for clients who are interested.

I was drawn to the field of therapy because I’ve always been deeply interested in understanding the complexities of human emotion, relationships, and resilience. Over time, I witnessed how meaningful it can be for people to have a space where they feel truly heard and supported through life’s most difficult moments. I am inspired by the strength individuals show in facing their challenges, and I am passionate about helping clients navigate their experiences, gain insight, and create meaningful change in their lives. Seeking therapy is an important step toward growth and healing, and I am committed to providing a supportive, collaborative environment where clients feel safe to explore their challenges and strengths. My clinical work is grounded in evidence-based practices and tailored to meet the individual needs of each client. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and issues related to self-esteem and emotional regulation. My approach integrates trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based interventions, and attachment-focused work. I work with clients to not only address current symptoms but also to identify and process underlying patterns that may be contributing to ongoing distress. With experience in both treatment facility and private practice settings, I bring a comprehensive understanding of complex clinical presentations. I am dedicated to helping clients develop insight, build effective coping strategies, and foster lasting personal growth. I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation for meaningful work in therapy. From the very beginning, my focus is on creating a space where you feel safe, heard, and respected. I approach each client with genuine curiosity, empathy, and non-judgment, allowing us to build trust at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Through open communication, collaboration, and consistency, we work together to create a partnership where you feel supported in exploring difficult emotions and experiences. I am committed to honoring your unique story while helping you gain new insight and develop effective tools to support your growth. Working together will be a collaborative process where we move at a pace that feels right for you. In the beginning, we’ll spend time getting to know each other, learning about what’s bringing you in, what you’re hoping to get out of therapy, and what feels important to you. Building trust takes time, and I truly respect that.

I find inspiration in helping others that are struggling with mental health problems. My clients have my attention, support, and feel heard and validated. I also collaborate with them to address their problems or distress. As a registered therapist, I strive to meet the client where they are at in life and help them move forward in their individual goals. I work with people from all age groups, religious and cultural backgrounds, states of life (pregnancy), and the LGBTQ population. I have experience working with individuals suffering from a wide range of mental health disorders, grief and loss, trauma symptomatology, medical conditions, and dual diagnoses. I have a passion for reaching out, connecting and relieving mental suffering. I have specialized training working in the following areas: CBT, DBT, Clinical Sexology training in Florida, and TRAUMA training in SEP (Somatic Experiencing Practitioner), EMDR. I have worked with couples using the Gottman method, attachment issues and communication skills. My PhD is in international psychology and I enjoy working with people from all backgrounds.