Therapists for college students near 94132
I have always been passionate about understanding others. I believe that most peoples’ actions and beliefs make sense once you understand the full context of their stories. However, we often judge others instead of taking the time to do this. Having a non-judgmental space to explore one’s emotions and experiences is a gift I believe everyone should have access to. Therapy is special because in addition to providing that non-judgmental space, I also can offer practical tools and support for mental health based on my education and experience as a therapist. During our first session, I will ask you to share about why you are seeking therapy and what goals feel important to you. Then, we’ll talk about the ways I can support you in reaching those goals. It’s important to know that I always assume the best in my clients, and my only goal for you is that you are able to live in a way that aligns with your own values and aspirations. Sometimes, I will point out when my clients actions don’t align with their values, as this enables us to truly reflect and grow. Every client has a different comfort level when it comes to how much and how soon they share things with me. I build trust with my clients by showing up consistently and honestly, and I trust that my clients will share things with me when they’re ready. In my past work, I have especially connected with young adults who are processing childhood trauma. I also have had many Asian American clients who are interested in further exploring their cultural identities in therapy. Whatever your background, it would be an honor to work with you and be part of your story.
You are smart, capable and aware. But life just feels… hard. If you could figure it out on your own, you would. That's where we come in.
My practice integrates relational psychodynamic and politicized somatic lineages and I love working with survivors of trauma, queer community, neurodivergent community, young adults, social justice organizers, artists, deep feelers, and outsiders.
I went through a very difficult with my mental health. I felt very low and hopeless at the time. What helped me was going to therapy for the first time. It started me on a journey to self-awareness and self-compassion that has carried throughout my life. Now I would like to help in inspiring similar journeys with my own work as a therapist. I enjoy learning about people and their unique thought processes. I ask questions, verify I understand what you’re saying and do not rest until I can understand where you are at and what your unique perspective on the world is. I am very straightforward when it comes to therapy. I am open about the modalities that I use and make sure you understand my process as we work together. I never force anything and am also willing to work from where your at and come up with solutions that are in line with your goals and personal interests.
We are a practice that specializes in trauma, grief & loss and anxiety. All clinicians are EMDR trained and utilize this modality to get to the core root of issues. We utilize a trauma-informed, client-centered approach to treatment. This is expressed during sessions in our ability to understand the difference between the words a client may express and what they really mean to help clients get to the core root of the problem. Simultaneously, we also utilize solution-focused therapy to aide clients in reaching the next step of life.
I provide individual therapy to individuals who are looking for help to cope with life's various twists and turns. I utilize an organic approach to gain an understanding of your specific life situations and stressors that are contributing to your current feelings. I use positive affirmations, strength identification and skill building to encourage you to reach your personal goals. We will work quickly to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms while we learn to identify triggers that may cause these feelings in order to focus on making long term changes that will help you to move forward through life. I would love the opportunity to work with you to find a way to bring out the strength that is inside of you. You are capable of so much more than you can even imagine!
I'm a trauma specialist with a focus on neurodiversity, particularly autism, ADHD, and highly sensitive people. As a neurodivergent therapist myself, I'm familiar with the challenges that come with being different. Many people, including well-intentioned therapists, don't fully grasp the intricacies of neurodivergent experiences, leaving us feeling misunderstood and unsupported. That's why I provide therapy that's tailored to you. I believe in incorporating your values, preferences, and special interests into our sessions. By doing so, we can address your specific goals and challenges in a way that aligns with your inherent strengths and learning style. Whether you want to work through your past, discover your true self, or find new tools to more effectively manage your daily life, I'm here to support you. Let's work towards creating a more meaningful and fulfilling life, one step at a time. I can’t wait to meet you.
If you feel like you’ve been missing out on life due to your mental health, you don’t have to go through this alone. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, panic attacks, OCD, addictions, relationship or sexual issues, or the unique pressures of working in the entertainment industry, I’m here to help. My approach is compassionate, direct, and tailored to your needs—offering a space where you can explore challenges, build resilience, and move toward meaningful change. I specialize in working with young adults, professionals, and individuals seeking relief from overwhelming thoughts, addictive patterns, and life transitions. Together, we’ll identify what’s holding you back, develop effective coping strategies, and work toward a life that feels more balanced and fulfilling. Stress, self-doubt, and old patterns can make it hard to move forward, even when you know something needs to change. Having grown up as a professional child actress, I’ve experienced firsthand the pressures of performance, perfectionism, and identity—shaping my understanding of how early experiences can impact mental health. In therapy, we’ll focus on what’s actually getting in your way—not just surface-level fixes, but meaningful shifts that help you feel more grounded and in control of your life. If you’re looking for a space to figure things out without judgment, let’s talk.
I am passionate about helping college students navigate life's challenges with empathy and understanding. Let's work together to create positive change.
I am inspired to work in mental health to build rapport with members and to help members identify, process, and heal from mental health symptoms and trauma. I am inspired to help members harness their inner voice and help them to improve self-worth as well as to help them change their narratives to a positive outlook in life. I ensure members are heard by bringing in empathy, demonstrating unconditional positive regard, triaging and creating collaborate treatment goals that members are amenable to work on, employ active listening, and show reflective listening. I build trust with storytelling, to start where the member is at, to not judge member, and to ask clarifying questions to get their lived experiences. I implement miracle questions, Socratic questioning, and provide homework assignments for accountability.
Hello there! My name is Baochau (I go by Bao). I am a Vietnamese American therapist who is based in Southern California. I primarily work with children, adolescents, and adults, and I specialize in treating clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, generational & family trauma, Asian American & BIPOC issues, and identity & cultural stress. I like to use various therapeutic approaches to tailor to each client’s individual needs, but some of the approaches I like to use in my practice stem from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy. More importantly, my goal is to help you feel seen and heard in your experiences as we work together towards your growth and healing. In addition to working with clients from different ages and mental health backgrounds, I also provide therapy for clients from diverse populations, particularly those who are from Asian American and BIPOC communities. As a therapist who is also a woman of color, I strive to provide culturally sensitive and affirming care for my clients.
As a couple and family therapist, I have a strong conviction in the healing power of healthy relationships. Connecting to your authentic self and fostering wellness in all relationships in your life is a primary focus of my work. I provide individual, couple and family psychotherapy for youth and adults of all family and relationship constellations. My holistic approach incorporates body, mind and spirit to help you create your full personal and relational potential. In my practice, I utilize psychotherapy, EMDR, somatic awareness, meditation and mindfulness practices, movement, and other modalities to facilitate the growth and change you seek. I would be honored to support you on your journey.
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of who you really are? College can be exciting—but it can also feel like too much. Maybe you’ve always been the one who holds it all together, gets straight A’s, and never lets anyone see you struggle. But now, you're anxious all the time, you're exhausted from trying to be “on” 24/7, and even small things feel like a big deal. You might feel pressure to meet expectations—yours or your family’s—and you’re starting to wonder if any of it really feels like you. Maybe you feel like you’re constantly performing. Like you can’t ever fully relax. Or maybe you’re starting to ask big questions about your identity, your future, your values—and it’s scary to realize you don’t have all the answers yet. You don’t have to figure it out alone. I work with college students who are high achievers, perfectionists, and deep thinkers—especially those who are struggling with anxiety, depression, people-pleasing, burnout, or questions around identity and family dynamics. In therapy, you can slow down, breathe, and start untangling the pressure from what you really want. We’ll work together to help you feel more grounded, more like yourself, and more in control of your life. Sessions are confidential, affirming, and tailored to who you are—not who others expect you to be. I provide inclusive and affirming care and create a space where you don’t have to explain or defend your experiences. Online sessions available for students in CA & WA. In-person sessions available in Santa Monica, CA. If this sounds like what you need, reach out. Things can be different—and therapy is a good place to start.
I am inspired to work in the field of mental health care because of my passion for fostering meaningful change in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. My dedication to helping individuals build on their strengths and navigate challenges allows me to empower them to heal, grow, and thrive. Guided by empathy, I aim to create a space where people can feel understood and supported in their journey toward better mental health. To ensure clients feel heard and understood in sessions, I create a safe, non-judgmental space where they can express themselves openly. I approach each session with empathy, active listening, and cultural humility, tailoring my support to honor the unique experiences of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ2+ individuals, low-income families, children, adolescents, and trauma survivors. By validating their feelings, recognizing their strengths, and fostering trust, I help clients feel truly understood and supported throughout their journey. I build trust and a strong therapeutic alliance by creating a warm, non-judgmental, and compassionate environment where clients feel safe to share their experiences. I honor each client’s unique strengths, values, and goals, fostering a sense of partnership and mutual respect. This approach helps establish a strong foundation for meaningful growth and healing, allowing clients to feel supported and understood throughout the therapeutic process.
My inspiration of becoming a therapist started at a young age in recognition of the desire to help people in a capacity that was natural and enjoyable to me. I have naturally been a compassionate person that can listen to any person regardless of differences and similarities in dynamics and backgrounds. I practice a warm and welcoming approach when discussing mental health with clients. I support the client to gain successful emotional wellbeing to establish a fuller and more joyous relationship with others and the environment around them. I specialize in supporting individuals who experience a range of mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, mood disorders, healthy coping skills, trauma, grief, anger, stress management, relationship issues and healthy conflict skill building. I am guided by primarily Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Attachment Theory and Family Systems Theory while considering the cultural, social and emotional context of the client. I help clients build on their strengths while addressing the concerns and goals. I have professional Social Work clinical experience working in outpatient clinical settings supporting children, adolescents, teens, military veterans and adults within my professional Social Work experience. I follow the lead of the client to develop trust, rapport, support, and empathy for all clients. I create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment to ensure each individual client feels comfortable sharing their lived experiences without judgement. I am patient with each client and take an individualize approach to meet the client where they are.
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.
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.
"The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction not a destination" - Carl Rogers. As a therapist, I believe in helping clients find (or rediscover) their direction in living the life that best suits them. I also believe that one of the most important factors in therapy is the goodness of "fit" between therapist and client. Through the therapeutic process, I work towards helping clients learn insights about their life, which in turn help them to make better choices and find more overall satisfaction in their life. Past clients have mentioned finally feeling seen in their work with me, and enjoy my openness, genuine responses, and humor in session. I hope to help you in the same way, and to help you explore different facets of yourself, offer new insights, and help you build more skills to live a more fulfilling life. I am currently seeing new clients via teletherapy. Please reach out with any questions or concerns you might have.
I am passionate about working with college students! Are you struggling at school? Maybe you're having difficulties in your relationships. Or do you want to feel more confident about yourself? During difficult times, I will help you find new ways of managing your life by teaching you coping skills. Do you beat yourself up? Therapy will teach you how to be kind to yourself. I like to do "what works". I pull from different approaches because every client is unique. My style of relating is warm and empathetic. I currently work with College Students, individuals and teens with issues including: Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, and Substance abuse. Here are are comments from my past clients "Maria is an excellent therapist. She has been instrumental in my recovery." "Maria was helpful especially since I was new to therapy." I am passionate about helping students conquer their fears & improve their self-esteem. My success comes from listening & being present with my clients in order to understand their experiences. I am available to see clients on Sundays!