Therapists for college students near University of Southern California

Being a student is demanding. Add athletics, performances, or other high-pressure activities, and it can feel like you're constantly balancing expectations from every direction. You may be managing anxiety, stress, performance pressure, perfectionism, injury recovery, relationship challenges, or simply trying to figure out who you are beyond your sport. Whatever brings you here, you don't have to navigate it alone. I'm Buffy, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with advanced training and certification in Sports Social Work. I specialize in supporting student-athletes and young adults through the unique challenges that come with balancing academics, athletics, and everyday life. Using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and strengths-based interventions, we'll work together to better understand your experiences, develop practical coping skills, and build resilience, confidence, and emotional well-being. My goal is to help you thrive—not just in your sport, but in every area of your life.

Ideally, this process involves the development of insight into how one experiences blocks or challenges in the world outside our selves – in relationships, work, academics, or creative pursuits. In my opinion, any successful therapy relationship must first begin with an atmosphere of safety, trust, and mutual understanding of the challenges that lay ahead. Using this as a starting point, I view therapy as an opportunity for my clients to safely explore the self, which involves taking a closer, more intimate look at how one's experience of self impacts and is impacted by the world in which one lives. While I tend to understand clients through a psychodynamic lens, I also believe in the importance of tailoring therapy to fit the individual. Using individualized interventions, I focus on helping my clients not only gain insight into those aspects of themselves that are outside usual awareness but also to develop an understanding of how those insights can be harnessed in an action-oriented manner to manifest lasting, positive change. This can and often does involve setting achievable behavioral goals between sessions to encourage steady forward progress in those realms of functioning that are most critical to the client. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.

I specialize in supporting college students who feel overwhelmed by the challenges of campus life—from managing academic pressure and navigating new social environments to handling personal transitions and stress. I understand that many students share common experiences such as balancing coursework, part-time work, and relationships, while also grappling with uncertainty about the future. Who I Help My approach works best for students who: Feel anxious about their studies or future career choices. Struggle with balancing social life, academics, and personal well-being. Are navigating significant life transitions (e.g., moving away from home, starting new relationships). Need a supportive, non-judgmental space to talk through their challenges. How I Work I use clear, everyday language to explain ideas and strategies—no confusing jargon here. Whether you're dealing with stress, low self-esteem, or just need someone to listen, my goal is to help you understand your situation better and build practical steps toward a healthier, more balanced life. Why This Might Be Right for You If you’re a student looking for a compassionate professional who understands the unique pressures of campus life, we might be a great fit. I’m here to help you explore your feelings, develop strategies to manage stress, and set you on a path toward personal growth and success.

I enjoy working collaboratively to develop goals that are realistic, meaningful, and lead to positive change. I view therapy as a journey—one that helps you find steadier footing and supports you as you move along your unique path. Although much of my background has been in public service settings working with severe mental illness, acute crises, and trauma, I welcome concerns of any size. No problem is too small or too overwhelming to bring into therapy. I invite you to give the therapy process a chance to work for you! I have been in the behavioral health field for more than 30 years and have been licensed since 2012. I have a practical, down-to-Earth style with an open-minded, solution focused approach. There is likely no issue too complicated or difficult for me to work with. I like to establish a clear treatment path with attainable goals, making it easier for you. I encourage you to give the therapy process a chance to work for you. My goal is to offer steady support and thoughtful guidance as you discover a healing path that truly fits your life. While life can be challenging, you don’t have to navigate it alone—therapy can provide a safe space to find clarity, resilience, and hope.

Have any of these thoughts ever crossed your mind? I don’t have time to take care of myself the way that I’d like to. I just can't keep up. Setting boundaries is hard. I don’t know what I’m feeling or why. These are normal thoughts for humans to experience. I hear these thoughts often and know how to provide support. I utilize evidence-based approaches including CBT & DBT to support clients in reaching their goals. I help you to develop increased self-awareness and have access to tools that you can use in your relationships, to better manage stress and to improve your overall confidence. I'm so glad that you are taking the time to invest in yourself! I provide a free consultation so you can get to know me and determine if we would be a good fit. If for some reason we are not, I will happily provide you with some more appropriate resources!

Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, confused, or depressed? Are you feeling disconnected or lost as you navigate your college journey? I would love to support you and empower you to reach your potential. We all deserve to live a rewarding and fulfilling life and sometimes we just need a little help into the right direction. I am honored to help you! In my practice, I strive to combine clinical expertise with empathy and cultural competence to provide effective support and guidance to individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and college adjustment issues. My goal for anyone that I work with is to create a safe and nonjudgmental space for clients to explore their concerns, develop coping strategies, and work towards positive change.

My approach to therapy involves moving towards collaborative change and using scientifically supported treatments to help clients achieve the change they want to see in their lives, whether it be emotional, behavioral, in their thinking, or in their relationships. Because our past informs our present, treatment may involve clients both exploring past experiences along with working towards in-the-moment changes to help accomplish their desired goals. I am a therapist at Octave, a behavioral health practice creating a new standard for mental health care that’s both high-quality and accessible. To learn more about my availability, please reach out to our Client Experience team by emailing or calling.

Do you struggle with motivation and focus troubles that affects more than just your ability to get your homework done? Do you feel overwhelmed by basic tasks that you can’t seem to get started? Do you ever wonder that life could be better, your mind a little quieter? Now more than ever, young adults, are feeling overwhelmed with the life presented to them, with ADHD and Anxiety diagnosis becoming more frequent. I believe you can find the motivation to get control of your life again. I approach therapy from a humanistic/person centered place, with true Unconditional Positive Regard towards you as a client and human. When we are struggling, we need a place to show up in all versions of ourselves without judgement, and I strive to create that environment for you

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I specialize in men's mental health, trauma, moral injury, helping people live a life in accordance with their values, and individuals practicing consensual non-monogamy. The 7+ years I spent working in community mental health has allowed me to gain significant experience working with individuals from diverse sociocultural backgrounds. I am fully trained in EMDR and have received advanced training in Narrative Therapy from the Vancouver School of Narrative Therapy. I am non-binary (they/them/she/her), queer identified, and have relevant lived experience. I am directive but always collaborative, and enjoy taking an active role in your goals.

I have developed an expertise in several treatment modalities with a concentration on anxiety, relationships/couples, career building, culture-related issues. I embrace an integrative, goal-oriented approach to therapy sessions. I cultivate an experience, meeting my clients where they are at, not subjecting to labels, taking time to understand their culture, experience and ideologies of life. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.

Many of the people I work with come to therapy because they are feeling stuck or overwhelmed, seeking relief from anxiety or depression, needing support as they adjust to a new life circumstance, or are wanting to develop a better understanding of themselves. During therapy, I frequently look at the relationship between your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions and how they affect your daily experiences. I can help you identify key thoughts and specific barriers or behaviors that are interfering or impacting your quality of life. As we work together, I can offer tools and concepts that may be helpful for coping with difficult emotions, improving relationships, and changing unhelpful patterns. I offer a free, 20-minute phone consultation to prospective clients. This provides an opportunity for us to determine if we might work well together. We can talk about what is leading you to seek therapy and I can provide you with more information on my approach to treatment and answer any questions you may have.

** Click on the Website link below to see my current openings*** Hello there! Are you longing for relief from the weight of depression or the grip of anxiety? Perhaps you find yourself at a crossroads, feeling lost or stuck in life's labyrinth. Know that your journey matters, and I'm here to guide you through it. I specialize in supporting individuals facing the challenges of depression and anxiety. I offer a compassionate approach to help you on your path to healing. I also work with those who feel adrift, helping them rediscover their purpose and direction. My therapeutic approach is as unique as you and your story (we are all different and unique in our own ways after all!). Our sessions will be dynamic and engaging. Bring a pen and notebook, as we'll co-create strategies and insights to propel you toward healing and growth. With a background that includes EMDR therapy training, Certified Breath Coach, and expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I bring a diverse toolbox to our partnership. Your well-being is my priority, and together, we'll illuminate your path toward a brighter, more fulfilling life. I hope you've caught a glimpse of the transformative journey we can embark on together. When you're ready, take that courageous step forward to a life of greater meaning and well-being by reaching out to me. Let's embark on a journey for a brighter tomorrow together!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

My approach to therapy is to create a secure and comfortable space for anyone to address their mental health needs and concerns; I am not here to judge but to understand and help. My goal is to meet you where you are and collaboratively work towards the goals that you set. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a treatment modality to aid in processing thoughts and feelings with regard to certain stressors and identify helpful coping skills. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.

I work best with students who are feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of school, work, relationships, or major life transitions. Many of my clients come to therapy because they're struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, self-esteem, burnout, or feeling stuck. Others are adjusting to college, navigating difficult family dynamics, substance and alcohol abuse, processing relationship challenges, or trying to balance everything life is throwing at them. You don't have to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Whether you're looking for support through a difficult season or want to build healthier coping skills and greater confidence, I'll provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to create meaningful change.

My name is Volker Nabavi. I am a board certified Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I had received trained in both medical and nursing fields. This diverse background enables me to apply both medical and nursing theories to manage my client’s mental health holistically and meet them at their level. I believe in a strong connection between our mind and body. My approach is based on the holistic care model involving all aspects of life including psychological, biological, emotional, social and spiritual dimensions. I understand that our mental health is inseparable from those aspects and our environment, relationships and lifestyle play crucial roles in our mental health. My area of interest includes: Depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, substance use, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and Bipolar disorders. I am an avid listener and authentic provider. I meet my client’s at their level and provide them with holistic care. I believe in multifactorial approach in managing my clients’ mental health. Combining psychotherapy , lifestyle change and medication is the optimal approach may lead to best clinical outcome and long term relief.

I became a therapist to welcome everyone so they feel safe and can be heard without judgement. My goal is for my clients to feel supported, heard and feel connected to someone they trust. I ensure that clients feel they are heard and understood by helping them stay on track with their goals and life experiences. I invite feedback during our sessions so that their needs and concerns are addressed. I build trust and a strong therapeutic alliance by prioritizing a safe and welcoming space in remote therapy. My approach is to use humor, creativity and metaphors to help the clients connect. I want to make the process of therapy more engaging and meaningful. I enjoy family life. I run every day first thing in the morning to feel connected and balanced. I also enjoy watching college basketball – especially when my team wins.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.