Therapists for college students near Los Angeles, CA

I know how difficult it can be when lack of motivation, worry, or stress keeps you from living the life you want. That's why I use evidence-based techniques to help you bring the color back to life. I specialize in academic stress, life transitions (like entering college or getting ready to graduate), work-life balance, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, and perfectionism. I take an individualized approach to therapy by prioritizing client goals, celebrating client's unique cultural traditions, and integrating relevant diversity and contextual factors into treatment. Clients who work with me describe me as compassionate, validating, and a great accountability partner. As a queer identifying clinician, I have extensive experience working with LGBTQIA+ individuals and have developed and led trainings in affirming care across the country. I also have specific expertise in gender issues, where I've helped clients unlearn unhelpful myths about gender and reimagine gender roles that no longer serve them. I strongly value a holistic approach to care which includes paying attention to often overlooked aspects of health such as sleep, chronic pain, and finding joyful ways of moving your body. I work from a health-at-every size perspective to help individuals learn to appreciate, love, and thrive in their own body.

I will work collaboratively with you to explore the underlying negative patterns that cause you to feel stuck. These issues may include depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, self-esteem, identity, grief/loss, and trauma. I am passionate about working with young adults, teens, and adults. I offer both virtual and in-person sessions in Glendale and Encino. I work hard to ensure that my clients feel safe and comfortable. I provide an open, nonjudgmental environment to discuss the struggles in life with a sense of humor and compassion. Therapy should be a safe space to explore these struggles and help you feel less alone. I have a mindful, eclectic approach tailored to help meet your distinct needs with an overall goal of finding your inner strength and hope for the future.

I went into psychology to address what I believe is a growing imbalance of work/life stress and personal guilt in modern day society. I want to help clients struggling with this both individually and as couples or families. Experiences from past careers has given me an appreciation for diverse learning methods and cultural attitudes, as well as how to be flexible and creative in my coaching with clients of all ages. Managing the ups and downs of any chronic condition is the unacknowledged full-time job of millions of people, and yet there is little credit given for it. I am here to be supportive, inventive, encouraging, and sympathetic to clients struggling with the ongoing stress of managing their lives, and help them lead an enjoyable life no matter what they may be handling. I believe that when people connect, lives get better. I have always been an advocate for others’ growth, and enjoy helping people gain insight into themselves and their world. As a marriage and family therapist, I help individuals address elements of their lives and themselves that are interfering with their relationships. As an individual therapist, I focus on unlocking and identifying core motivations and strengths in clients that are unique to them, and which often provide clients with the direction or guidance they are seeking. My psychotherapy practice is tailored to give clients exactly the kind of supportive opportunity they need to focus inward, realign with their personal needs, and heal from stress as they learn to manage it. I have a warm communication style that clients describe as encouraging, analytical, and direct. I use a Cognitive Behavioral approach, with elements of Emotionally Focused Therapy to explore deeper memories, and Solution-Focused principles to create measurable progress between sessions.

I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and relationship struggles. I have a special focus on athletes, performers, and creatives hitting walls, performance blocks, creative freezes, and the trauma quietly running the show from backstage. If you know you're capable of more but something keeps getting in the way, that's exactly where we dig in. I'm mindfulness-based, DBT-informed, and solution-focused, and certified in Brainspotting and Play Therapy. These two approaches reach places that talk therapy alone sometimes can't. Think of them as secret passageways to what's already inside you. My approach is collaborative, grounded, and completely tailored to you: no therapy-speak, just honest conversation, real tools, and a little humor when it helps. Whatever you're carrying, we'll figure out together, building on your strengths at your pace.

You give a lot — to your work, your relationships, your community — and you've started to feel the cost of that. Maybe you're carrying grief that hasn't had space to breathe, navigating your identity in a world that doesn't always make room for you, or stuck in patterns you understand but can't seem to move. My clients are thoughtful, deeply feeling, and are ready for therapy that goes beneath the surface. Together, we work toward something more than coping. We work towards change, compassion, and confidence.

I am inspired by the resilience of the human spirit and the profound potential for growth and healing within everyone. Witnessing clients navigate challenges, uncover their strengths, and achieve breakthroughs is deeply fulfilling. The ability to make a meaningful impact by supporting individuals as they reclaim their lives and well-being drives my passion for this field. I’m also drawn to the ever-evolving nature of mental health care, where continuous learning and innovation allow me to grow alongside my clients. I prioritize creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves openly. Active listening is at the core of my practice—I strive to fully understand their experiences by reflecting, validating their emotions, and asking thoughtful questions. I also adapt my communication style to each client’s unique needs, ensuring they feel respected and seen. By fostering empathy and tailoring interventions to their individual stories, I make it clear that their voice and perspective are central to the therapeutic process. Trust is built through consistency, authenticity, and mutual respect. I show up as a genuine, compassionate presence, balancing professionalism with warmth and relatability. I also collaborate with clients, empowering them to take an active role in their therapy. By being transparent about the therapeutic process and celebrating their progress, I foster a sense of partnership. Over time, these elements come together to create a strong, trusting alliance that supports meaningful growth and healing.

Serving the San Fernando Valley, the greater Los Angeles area and conveniently located on Ventura Blvd, 15 minutes west of the 405 freeway with neighboring areas including Calabasas, Simi Valley and Malibu, Clearview Outpatient – Woodland Hills utilizes a combination of DBT, CBT, and experiential therapy to meet the individual needs of each client we serve. We specialize in treating adults, 18 years and older, who have mood disorders, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, and co-occurring autism spectrum disorder (ASD). At Woodland Hills, we’re committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive, and high-quality individualized psychiatric and psychotherapeutic care for adults who suffer from severe and persistent mental illness while maximizing social functioning in the real world.

Hi my name is Nekea (nuh-key-yah). As a woman of color, I understand how the different parts of “who we are”, our experiences, identities, and relationships, shape the way we see and move through the world. I strive to create a space that feels safe, supportive, and real, where you can show up fully without judgment. I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and groups from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and cultural perspectives. My work is especially centered on supporting women, people of color, adolescents, and public figures as they navigate life’s challenges and transitions. Whether you’re healing from grief, processing trauma, or learning to set boundaries and care for yourself in new ways, my goal is to help you reconnect with your voice and your sense of self. Therapy, to me, is both a place of reflection and empowerment, a space to better understand your story and to write new chapters with clarity and confidence.

Working in metal health for over a decade, I realized I would ask more questions about the person than I was trained to know what to do. I knew I wanted to help people more and decided to further my education to be able to do that. Clients need to feel heard and understood. I would initially ask how they would like to feel heard and understood. I would naturally reflect back on what clients have stated to ensure I heard their words correctly. I would also ask if I understood their words correctly to confirm. Working together is collaborative. Building trust looks like me asking questions to see the client’s experience and what support looks like to them. It is listening to their stories and hearing what the client would like to work on as far as goals and supporting them to do so.

Hello there! In my approach to therapy, I emphasize empathy and active listening, creating a compassionate environment where my clients feel heard and validated, fostering a safe space for exploration and growth. I also incorporate positive self-talk and affirmations, encouraging clients to build resilience and self-esteem. My communication style is characterized by warmth, active listening, and empathy. I foster an open and non-judgmental atmosphere, encouraging clients to express themselves freely. My compassionate approach combines encouragement and positive reinforcement, helping clients feel supported as they explore their thoughts and feelings.

From the very first meeting, I approach each client with a deep respect for their lived experience and an understanding that beginning therapy can feel both vulnerable and courageous. My intention in that initial session is to create a space that feels grounded, collaborative, and nonjudgmental, where clients can begin to share at their own pace. I focus on listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions, and gaining a holistic understanding of what brings them in, while also attending to their strengths, values, and hopes for change. Establishing a sense of safety and trust is central, as I view the therapeutic relationship itself as a meaningful foundation for growth. My path toward becoming a therapist was shaped by a longstanding curiosity about human behavior, emotional resilience, and the ways people make meaning of their experiences. Over time, this curiosity evolved into a commitment to supporting others through life’s challenges in a purposeful and compassionate way. I have been particularly inspired by witnessing how individuals can develop insight, shift patterns, and reconnect with their sense of agency when provided with the right support. This work continues to be deeply meaningful to me, as it allows me to walk alongside clients as they navigate change, cultivate self-understanding, and move toward greater well-being. I approach the development of trust and a strong therapeutic alliance as an intentional, ongoing process grounded in consistency, transparency, and genuine attunement. I prioritize active listening and strive to understand the client’s experience from their perspective, reflecting both content and emotion to communicate empathy and validation. I am mindful to move at a pace that feels comfortable for the client, recognizing that trust develops over time and cannot be rushed. Ultimately, I view the therapeutic alliance as the foundation of effective therapy, and I remain committed to fostering a relationship in which clients feel seen, heard, and empowered throughout their process. One personal detail I sometimes share is my appreciation for incorporating music into my daily routine as a way to feel grounded and centered. I find that music can be a simple yet meaningful way to regulate mood, create a sense of calm, and reconnect with the present moment.

Being a young adult can feel overwhelming—caught between who you’ve been and who you’re becoming. Whether you're facing anxiety, trauma, depression, relationship challenges, or questions about identity and purpose, therapy can help you find clarity and direction. As a licensed trauma specialist, I support young adults through the emotional and physical impact of trauma, including childhood wounds, PTSD, cultural and generational pain, and the stress of modern life. With advanced training in EMDR, CBT, DBT, and psychodynamic therapy, I tailor sessions to your pace and goals—balancing practical tools with deeper self-exploration. This is a space to untangle limiting beliefs, regulate emotions, and reconnect with your sense of self—so you can move forward with confidence, choice, and inner stability.

Working in the mental health field inspires me because of the resilience I see in people. Even in life’s hardest moments, you have the capacity to heal, grow, and build a meaningful life. My role is to help you reconnect with your strengths, navigate challenges, and discover what works for you. In sessions, I focus on authenticity and clarity. I listen closely and with empathy, because your experiences and feelings truly matter. My approach is trauma-informed, meaning I’m mindful of how past experiences can shape the present, and I aim to meet you where you are without judgment or pressure. I draw on an integrative and holistic approach, addressing the connection between mind, body, and emotions to support your overall well-being. Trust and connection often develop naturally in the therapeutic space. For many clients, having a nonjudgmental person to share with—someone who listens without an agenda—can be profoundly impactful. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe to explore, grow, and rediscover that life is worth it, and so are you.

You deserve a safe space to deal with painful feelings, relationship issues, past traumas, and the general stressors of day-to-day life. Together, we can explore what will help you achieve a meaningful life. Growth and change is not only possible, it’s inevitable. Let’s make sure it’s in the direction that YOU want it to go. My therapeutic approach is creative, collaborative, and strongly rooted in self-exploration. I incorporate mindfulness and strength based interventions. I come from a history of theatre arts, performing, and directing. We can tap into our creative selves to find the growth we are looking for. I am here to learn about your experience, listen, and offer support while we work together towards the life you want to attain.

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"There are more things in heaven and earth ... than are dreamt of in your philosophy" Hamlet. As a depth psychotherapist, my intention is to help you navigate your personal depths; look beyond cultural expectations and all of the shoulds that have cluttered your life. Together we can work to unravel the defenses that have been unconsciously built to protect your heart and soul from feeling, and have kept you out of the present. By assiduously listening and freely playing, we will unearth who you really are and investigate what may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. My intention is to provide a safe environment that nurtures a trusting relationship between my clients and me. This relationship is the basis for all of the work. From this foundation we can invite the unconscious into the room and begin the healing process. There are many ways to access the unconscious: dreams, drawing, poetry, images, meditation, and somatic reactions are a few. Listening may the most important. So many of us just need to be heard. All of these activities are in the service of discovering how to unravel the unconscious knots that have tied up your spirit.

Do you find yourself feeling anxious, nervous, or on edge? Perhaps you have racing thoughts, trouble controlling your thoughts, or constantly thinking about the same thing. Have you feel sad, lonely, or questioning the meaning of life? You may think no one could possibly imagine the pain and hurt you’re feeling. Why did this have to happen? He or she didn’t deserve to die? I can’t believe I’ll never see them again. Perhaps you’ve experienced a Trauma. You may still feel on edge, have trouble relaxing and have painful past memories or nightmares making it hard to sleep at night. Sometimes people just don’t get it. You know you have Anger problems, but it’s not like you don’t want to change. You are trying to work on this. You just don't know how or where to start. The good news is there are coping tools and therapy strategies that can help to reduce your racing and uncontrollable thought. Just think about how it could feel to have someone that could help you throughout this process. Chanes are you want to go about your daily day without crying, feeling guilty or breaking down. You want to just enjoy your life without being interrupted by past painful memories. If you could just get to sleep, that would be a dream in itself. You want to be in control of your feelings. I can help you with these things by providing you with coping skills, a safe space to process your thoughts, explore your emotions, and address your anger. Let me show you how to continue living your life during this difficult time. I can teach you therapy strategies and techniques to help you through difficult times too. I can also teach you skills to manage your anger, identify your triggers, and to handle conflicts. Making the decision to get therapy is the first step. Please click on the link to view my website and to complete my contact form so you can schedule your free consultation.

Hello! Are you experiencing anxiety, depression, loneliness, low self-esteem or uncertainty? It's common to feel this way when you are going transitions in your life and college is no exception. College is a great milestone however, it can also be a difficult time. If you find that you could use some guidance to get through, please feel free to reach out to me. I will answer any questions that you have. Good luck.

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“I’m so overwhelmed, I can’t cope.” Life can be stressful–you have stress about your performance at work/school, traumatic events (pandemic, act of violence, or global uncertainty), relationships, or a life change. You have been feeling apprehension and dread and you can’t make it go away. You’re at your breaking point, close to burn out, and feeling out of control and it interferes with your everyday life, causing you to avoid things. You’ve also noticed issues with your health, problems sleeping, weight changes, inability to focus, and headaches or body pain. You want to find ways to reduce stress and replenish your resources. You’re ready to learn to say no and set good boundaries. You know it’s time to unravel limiting beliefs and find new ways to approach how you fill your time and nourish yourself. You desire your energy back, a change in attitude, and enhanced lifestyle. I can help you achieve your goals. To reach you where you are, we offer telehealth services, 24/7 online scheduling, and a client portal with hassle-free online paperwork. It’s easier than ever to fit therapy into your busy life and start making yourself a priority. Visit my website (www.losangelestherapycollective.com) to schedule a free, no-obligation 15-minute phone consultation today!