Therapists for college students near University of Southern California
Marisol Cendejas
I am a bilingual therapist who cares about creating safer spaces to empower mental health and wellness in BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color). I take a holistic and trauma-informed approach. 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.
Brent Batty
For 20 years, I've worked with adults who have experienced anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, and low self-worth. I am passionate about working with teens and adults by creating a safe space to honor my client's experiences and expertise in themselves. I help clients improve their self-esteem and self-worth through validating and supporting my clients as experts of themselves and deepening their compassionate relationships with themselves through boundaries, modifying core beliefs, and engaging in self-care. My clients tell me that I have a calming presence, and that I'm easy to talk to. There is always a different way to look at things, and I offer a hopeful, positive, and realistic outlook. I include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused, Person-Centered and additional therapies that are tailored to each person in your therapy journey. I work together with my clients to create a space for further self-exploration, self-love, and healing. I believe that we want to be loved, accepted, respected, feel listened to and understood. I am non-judgmental and accepting when someone feels safe enough to share their story or experiences with me. 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.
Tayler Henderson
As an EMDR and DBT therapist, I help adults who experience anxiety, depression and/or a trauma. Perhaps you are dealing with adjusting to a stressor, life transition or just life in general. I strive to create a safe place for you to express your concerns, to feel heard and understood. My approach is very individualized based on your current needs. I am interested in the whole person (mind, body, and spirit) and help facilitate an environment conducive to collaboration and understanding. I strive to provide you with the tools and strategies you need in order to help you achieve your goals. I believe therapy can be the most important form of self-care. I will work as a team with you to develop a treatment plan with goals to address your unique situation. As the famous BF Skinner stated, “A failure is not a mistake, it may simply be the best one can do under the circumstances. The real mistake is to stop trying.” I hope together we can work together to develop the tools to live a resilient, fulfilling 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.
Dr. Matthew Meyers
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.
Michael Keesey
My ideal client struggles with low self-esteem, self-doubt, and negative self-talk, often rooted in past experiences. These internal blocks keep them from reaching their potential in personal, professional, or creative areas. They deeply desire to feel empowered, build confidence, and take meaningful action toward their goals. They seek support to overcome limiting beliefs, develop resilience, and create a life they feel proud of—one where they trust themselves and feel in control.
Michael Leone-Aldrich
College can be an incredibly stressful time. Whether you are far away from where you grew up, living at home and commuting to school, or living on campus, there is an overwhelming amount of transition that happens once high school ends. Not only are you deciding what you want to do with your life and juggling schoolwork, but you are also figuring out who you are and who you want to spend your time with. This is a time where you may be able to truly be yourself for the first time in your life, where you can have a clean slate to be the person you want to be. With all of these challenges, it can feel very isolating and demanding trying to do this all on your own. It is common for college students to feel very depressed and anxious during this time, and it can also feel hard to reach out to someone to talk to about it all. You don't have to do it alone. Going to therapy is a great way to get the support you need and become the best version of yourself. I can understand why coming to therapy isn't easy though. Why tell a stranger the most personal details of your life? Because by not knowing anything about you or being a part of your life, I can offer an objective and unbiased perspective on your situation while giving you concrete tools and strategies to improve the areas you are struggling in. I've worked with many college students and have seen them make meaningful changes in their lives after going to therapy and believe that you can too. Please feel free to reach out to me and we can discuss any questions you may have, and I hope to hear from you soon!
Hector Estrada
When people are challenged with changes that affect the ability to manage stressors, there comes a time for positive change and support. I am passionate about focusing on the healing process, whether it involves the challenges of exploring maladaptive behaviors or the triggers of trauma. I help my clients, who include children, adults, and families to find healthy coping mechanisms and self-autonomy which will lead to positive perceptions. This, in turn, creates personal identification and self-worth, thus creating healthy relationships. I have been in the field of social services for the past 26 years and practicing therapy for the past 10 years with extensive and diverse work with children and adults. There is not one single approach for each individual, so I have trained in different modalities to tailor to the needs of those seeking help. This includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-focused therapy, Narrative Therapy, background with trauma focused approach, Seeking Safety (modality for trauma and substance abuse) training, anger management, and play therapy for children. The therapeutic relationship is essential in the beginning stages of sessions because my purpose is to assist the individual in therapy to change his or her life for the better. This involves developing trust, respect, and congruence with empathy and genuineness. 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.
Lauren Nesbit
The most important factor in the therapy process is feeling like you can be authentic and honest with your therapist. Let’s see if we could be a good fit! I am passionate about joining clients on their journeys to increase their overall well-being. I enjoy working with college students and young adults. During these phases of life, transition is constant. Many clients I see begin therapy due to lasting effects of trauma, overwhelming feelings, difficulty adjusting to new circumstances, or disruptive behaviors that interrupt their daily lives. I view my role as to walk alongside clients, offering support, tools, and fresh perspectives as they find their own path toward healing, growth, and making peace with the impact of past experiences. I currently have openings available for new clients. Right now I am offering virtual sessions only. I am partnered with Headway who will confirm your in network status and take care of all insurance billing. Please feel free to reach out on my website or via email to schedule a free 15 min phone consultation.
Vincent Nunez LMFT
Vincent Nunez is a Christian Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He has a Master's in Pastoral Ministry from the Oblate School of Theology and a Master of Science in Counseling from the University of Phoenix. Vincent has experience in church ministry, mental health clinic, and college campus wellness center. Vincent is a follower of Jesus Christ, a husband, father, and military veteran. He has been married for over 27 years and has three children now transitioning into young adults. Specialties: Individual Counseling (Adults) Men's Counseling Spiritual Counseling Life Stages/Transitions/Major Life Changes Grief counseling Young Adults Mental Health Counseling (Anxiety, Depression, Trauma)
Peter Chechele
As a very engaged and empathic therapist, I work with my clients to discover what they are wanting to achieve in therapy and what they've already tried that hasn't worked. Then together we come up with a strategy to work through where they might be stuck and construct a path forward. A combination of insight and values driven action typically leads to improvement for the conditions they present with. 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.
Path to Growth Marriage & Family Counseling
Hi, I'm Pak P., LMFT. In my practice, I provide therapy for individuals and couples navigating stress, relationships, and emotional challenges, with a specialized focus on men’s mental health, high-performing professionals, and culturally informed care. For couples, whether you're dating, engaged, or already married, I focus on building support and improving communication. My goal is to identify areas of growth for you as a couple working collaboratively toward positive change. The therapy journey is about connecting with yourself, gaining the confidence to navigate life's changes, and making positive steps toward the life you desire. In my therapeutic approach, I create a unique treatment plan just for you based on the foundations of psychodynamic theory and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). This creates a comprehensive and effective therapeutic experience designed for you. Psychodynamic theory helps us to explore your unconscious processes, childhood experiences, and the impact they have on your present behaviors and emotions. It provides a rich understanding of the underlying dynamics that influence your thoughts and actions. EFT focuses on the emotional bonds within relationships, emphasizing the importance of creating secure connections and emotional responsiveness. In both individual and couples therapy, psychodynamic theory allows you to better understand the roots of deep-seated patterns. This can help you recognize and address unresolved issues that may be influencing your current struggles. For example, if you are grappling with recurrent relationship difficulties, psychodynamic exploration can help you uncover patterns established in childhood that affect your perception of intimacy and closeness. It’s pretty powerful! For couples counseling, EFT focuses on the emotional dynamics between you and your partner. It helps you identify and reshape negative patterns of interaction. For instance, if you are stuck in a cycle of blame and withdrawal you might learn to express vulnerable emotions and needs breaking the continuous cycle. By integrating psychodynamic theory and EFT, therapy becomes a dynamic and holistic journey. This can help you break free from unhealthy patterns and enter into a new stage of life. Seeking assistance is a sign of courage and a willingness to deal with life’s many changes. I look forward to providing you with the support you need in this journey
Helen Crew
I’m a first-generation Latina, bilingual (English/Spanish) therapist who works with young adults and adults navigating anxiety, relationships, family stress, identity, and the many transitions life brings. I understand that life doesn’t always go according to plan, and sometimes we find ourselves trying to navigate changes we never expected. I’m especially passionate about women’s mental health and supporting women through the many layers of womanhood—from relationships and identity to pregnancy, postpartum, infertility, loss, and the everyday demands of caring for others while trying not to lose yourself in the process. My approach is warm, direct, and solution-focused. I’ll listen and validate your experience, but I’ll also challenge you when needed because I believe therapy should help you create meaningful change—not just talk about what isn’t working. I accept insurance to help make therapy more accessible. To learn more about my approach, specialties, and availability please visit my website.
Isaac Ozobiani LCSW
Isaac has a Ph.D., PsyD, degree in Health Service Management and in Clinical Psychology from La Salle University and California Southern University respectively. He is licensed in the states of CA and Florida as an LCSW. He has over 25 years of experience in the provision of mental health care to individuals and families across a variety of settings including inpatient psychiatric hospitals, outpatient community mental health, dual diagnosis, intensive outpatient inpatient detox, and transitional housing facilities. His present and past clientele includes those with behavioral and/or substance issues including anxiety, depression, grief, life transition issues, and anger management. He collaborates with clients on how to get from where they are in their lives currently to where they want to be. He uses cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused and motivational interviewing techniques to work with clients.
Sara Jones, LCSW
Hi I'm Sara a LCSW in both CA and CT. I became a therapist because of a genuine desire to help others thrive. I believe that therapy should feel like a safe and supportive space—one where you can show up exactly as you are, without judgment. My goal is to motivate you towards the changes and self-discovery that you want for your life while also gaining a deeper understanding of self.
Monica Ashley O'Neal
Hi! I'm a therapist specializing in anxiety, childhood emotional neglect, trauma, and grief/loss. My clients often come to me feeling stuck, disconnected from themselves, or emotionally dysregulated. Our sessions will be a space where you can slow down and check in with yourself - whether that means getting curious about your past, processing the week, exploring practical tools/coping strategies, or simply allowing yourself to exhale and just be. As a biracial Black and Taiwanese American raised in Taiwan, I understand how culture can can shape our upbringing and sense of self. I use an approach that blends talk therapy with somatic (body-based) practices in order to address your symptoms from multiple angles. Our work together will be shaped by your background, values, needs, and goals. Please feel free to call or email so I can check your session cost with insurance, and/or use the link below to book a free phone consultation. I'm looking forward to connecting with you! https://calendly.com/monicaashley07/30min
Brandy Mays-Cancino
I was inspired to work in mental health care by my father. My father raised me and we were very close. He would always pick me up from school and take me out for ice cream. It was our quality time together where he would encourage me to talk about my day at school. This was the first example of what it was to experience talk therapy. I learned at a young age the importance of self-expression and having someone there to listen to you and validate you. As I got older, I valued my connections that could be built between people when they have friendly conversation or engage in deep conversations. By high school, I knew I wanted to work in the mental health field. When I engage in therapy with you, I will make you feel valued and heard by allowing you to discuss your needs and wants throughout the entire process. You are the Pilot and I am your co-pilot. This is your time, space and therapy session. We will engage in treatment planning together. Our first session will look like me getting an opportunity to know you and what brings you to therapy. I want to know all the things that are going right in your life and what are some of your favorite hobbies and activities you like to engage in. We will work together every step of the way when engaging in treatment planning and what your main focus needs will be. I am also very humorous and feel laughter is the best type of medicine so at times you will find entertainment, but I will be very informative as well. I am also vulnerable, so you will see I will be able to hold space for your tears if needed.
James Sharkey
Overwhelmed, scattered, stuck in cycles of anxiety and procrastination. Losing track of time, riding emotional highs and lows, struggling to quiet your mind — and not knowing why. These patterns can be linked to ADHD, and in adults they frequently go unrecognized for years. What builds up in that time isn't just difficulty with focus and follow-through, but criticism, self-doubt, and anxiety that never quite got resolved. The adults I work with are often highly capable people who've built impressive lives, but carry a quiet exhaustion from working twice as hard just to keep up. They mask well in public and struggle privately. My approach integrates multiple evidence-based therapies, including EMDR, a model built on the understanding that your brain has a built-in system for healing — linking difficult or traumatic memories to your adaptive memory network for nervous system healing and cognitive restructuring, so you can move forward with clarity.
Sacred Path Therapy
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Ruth Schettini
As a first-generation Latina, I know the experience of first gen and I understand how big a role culture plays in our interactions, relationships, and even how we view ourselves. I also understand the anxiety of being first gen, POC and struggling to find your voice. I want to help you find that voice. I have extensive experience working with anxiety in adults and adolescents. I also have experience and training with working with individuals who work in ministry and live more faith-based lives. There are genuine barriers and systems we all face every day along with the stigma our communities may place on us. You will find a safe and open space here. I try to approach everyone in a way where I am meeting them where they are at, creating a safe space, and being honest and realistic about the barriers you may be facing and how you can start to overcome them. I have been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Socio-Emotional Relationship Therapy (SERT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Relationship Therapy, and Experiential Therapy (Satir). I am currently being trained in Trauma Therapy. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions! 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.
Elisha Galaif
I work with my clients to create an open, trusting and safe environment where anything can be shared. My approach to therapy is to work collaboratively with clients to build a strong therapeutic alliance. In my practice, I use different therapeutic approaches depending on what works best for the client, including client-centered therapy (being congruent with the client, providing unconditional positive regard, and empathic understanding), a biopsychosocial approach, and/or Solution Focused Therapy. I believe that clients want to change, are the experts in their own desires and goals, and have the resources and inner strengths to overcome their mental health issues. My goal is to assist clients to move towards a future that they want by successfully addressing any issues that they might be facing or having difficulty resolving. 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.