Therapists for college students near UCLA
You’ve been holding it together the best you can, but you are tired. Exhausted from the constant worry, waiting for the next shoe to drop, and never feeling like you’re enough. Sleepless nights, self criticism, and gripping anxiety may make sense given everything you’ve been through, but you are ready to find some relief and start caring for yourself as much as you care for those around you. I help women and teen girls feel confident that they can handle what life throws their way, to feel empowered to honor their needs and boundaries, and to overcome the past to find new patterns of relating to themselves and others. Together we can compassionately untangle what it is that gets in the way of living the life you long for and reconnect to a more easeful, connected, and authentic way of being in the world. I specialize in supporting survivors of trauma, caregivers, and social and environmental justice activists seeking sustainable involvement in movements for change. Schedule a free consultation with me (online booking available through my website) to start shifting the patterns that keep you from feeling calm, confident, and connected to your life.
Many people begin therapy feeling emotionally exhausted, stuck, or unsure of where they belong. This can be especially true for those navigating multiple cultures, identities, and expectations at once. When family values, cultural norms, and personal needs don’t fully align, it’s common to feel pulled in different directions—or to quietly lose touch with yourself. Over time, this strain may show up as burnout, anxiety, relationship stress, or a lingering sense that something isn’t quite right, even if everything looks “fine” on the outside. I take a collaborative, culturally responsive approach to therapy that honors the complexity of your lived experience. I don’t believe there is one “right” way to feel, heal, or move forward—especially when identity, family dynamics, and cultural expectations play such a central role in your life. My work integrates evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion-Focused Therapy, family systems therapy, and person-centered approaches. Together, we will make sense of patterns shaped by your past experiences and relationships while building practical coping skills that support meaningful, sustainable change. I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of San Francisco. During graduate training, I completed my internship at Gateway Public Schools, where I worked with adolescents ages 11–18. In this role, I supported students navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, identity development, and a wide range of family-related and personal challenges, gaining hands-on experience working within complex systems that impact young people’s emotional well-being. Over time, clients often gain greater emotional clarity, self-trust, and a stronger sense of agency—feeling more empowered to live in ways that feel authentic rather than obligatory. Therapy is a space where you don’t have to choose between parts of yourself—you can bring all of you into the room. My goal is to create a supportive and affirming therapeutic space where you feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood. We will explore how family dynamics, identity development, and cultural influences have shaped your experiences, while also focusing on what matters most to you moving forward. Outside of therapy, I value humor, perspective, and taking meaningful chances in life. One quote that resonates with me is: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky — Michael Scott. This mindset reflects my belief in growth, courage, and the importance of showing up for yourself—even when the next step feels uncertain.
Brief, solution-focused therapy in San Francisco.
College should be about growth, not just survival. If you're struggling with unpredictable mood swings, overwhelming worry, lots of sadness, or using substances to cope, or climate anxiety, I'm here for you. I work best with students who experience intense emotional ups and downs, find themselves caught in cycles of productivity followed by inability to function, or use alcohol or other substances to manage difficult feelings and thoughts, or those who are preoccupied with climate-related grief or anxiety. I offer a space where you don't need to hide your challenges or pretend to have it all together. We'll focus on getting to know each other, creating a safe space to open up, and increasing coping strategies, such as recognizing early warning signs, building supportive routines, navigating academic pressures, developing genuine connections without relying on substances, and handling the climate crisis with more ease. Whether you're facing mood swings, anxiety, depression, substance use challenges, climate distress, or all of these, there's a path forward. Reach out today to take the first step towards change, growth and stability.
Hello, I'm Dr. Manuel Manotas, a licensed psychologist offering online therapy services across California. Fluent in English and Spanish, I'm dedicated to providing accessible and personalized mental health support from the coast to the Sierras. I specialize in helping clients who are navigating the often turbulent waters of anxiety and healing from past trauma. We all know that these issues can feel overwhelming, like an endless loop of thoughts such as "I'm not good enough," "Happiness only comes with wealth," or "My imperfections make me unlikable." But remember, you're not alone on this journey. Together, we'll face these thought patterns, unravel their origins, and discover hands-on techniques to manage anxiety. Our journey isn't about amplifying self-doubt, but uncovering the strength that exists in embracing our vulnerabilities. A unique feature of my approach is Somatic Psychotherapy, which recognizes that our minds and bodies are intrinsically linked. I'll guide you to connect with your physical responses to emotional states, teaching you effective practices like deep breathing and visualization to channel your body's energy in a healthier way. I hold a PsyD from the California Institute of Integral Studies and am certified by the Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute. This combination of experience and education equips me to support you effectively as you strive to overcome anxiety and heal from trauma. Together, we'll embark on a journey towards a more peaceful and resilient self.
Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed? One key factor to predict positive change is the trust you have with your therapist. That is my goal. I utilize my cultural sensitivity to understand my clients' struggles. I have experience using mindfulness-based techniques and insight oriented approaches. I have worked with college students and older adults. Together, we will create a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. I truly believe that we can profoundly better ourselves through the moments in our lives where we face challenges by defining how we will see the problem and take action, rather than letting the problem define how we see ourselves. I will work with you, as a member on your team, to help you live better.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Please see info about my practice: www.drmichellespoelstra.com
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Are you are you feeling stressed and overwhelmed? Does it feel like you don’t know what to do next or how to make things better? Have you tried to solve the problems in your life on your own and realized you need help from someone else? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you have made the right choice by being here. Together we can work to help equip you with the necessary tools to help you face and overcome these challenges. Whether you’re struggling with major life transitions (i.e. divorce, death, trauma), marital problems, or health (i.e. reproductive health, post partum, chronic illness), it is important that you know you don’t have to be alone in this journey. We have the experience to help you achieve your goals, overcome these struggles, and live a more fulfilling and meaningful life. If you’re ready to work towards the life you’ve always wanted, we’ll be ready to help. Contact us today and let’s get to work.
I specialize in women's mental health, postpartum and infertility treating trauma, anxiety and mood disorders. I provide individual, couple's and family therapy in my MIssion District office.
Supervised by Cory Candelas, LMFT #106895 If you’re looking for a therapist who can hype you up and gently (or not-so-gently) call you out, we might be a good fit. Expect honesty, humor, and compassion in equal measure. Think supportive older sister energy: accountability with a lot of care. I work with teens, young adults, and high-achievers who look put together but feel overwhelmed, burned out, or disconnected. We’ll build coping skills and do deeper emotional work because sometimes you’re living with a broken heart and are still expected to keep showing up.
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in anxiety, depression, and trauma work. It’s my passion to work with children and young adults with the number of challenges they can face to help them learn how to manage their feelings and develop ways to better cope with life. I also work with adults and new parents to navigate managing their new identity and improve their parenting skills. My approach to therapy is personable and genuine. I find that my style is particularly beneficial to those looking for a safe space free of judgment while getting honest engagement. I’m expressive, use humor, and genuinely enjoy getting to be a therapist.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of early adulthood? College pressures, family expectations, and your own evolving identity can create a perfect storm of stress and uncertainty. If you're struggling with: -Anxiety or depression that interferes with your daily life -Balancing academic demands with your mental wellbeing -Family tensions as you establish your independence -Uncertainty about your chosen degree or career path -Finding your authentic self amid others' expectations Our work together will help you access those inner resources and build the confidence to chart your own path forward—one that honors both your needs and your potential. Schedule a consultation today and discover how therapeutic support can help you thrive during this transformative time in your life.
College can be a time of deep change and self-discovery, but it can also feel overwhelming, isolating, or uncertain. You might be navigating anxiety, grief, family challenges, creative blocks, or a sense of being stuck. Maybe you feel disconnected from yourself or unsure of your path. If you’re carrying a lot but don’t know where to put it, therapy can be a place to set things down, breathe, and figure out what comes next. I specialize in working with students who are introspective, creative, and thoughtful—those who feel things deeply and want to make sense of their experiences. Whether you’re struggling with self-doubt, life transitions, perfectionism, or the weight of unspoken emotions, I offer a space to explore, heal, and reconnect with your inner wisdom. My approach is warm, down-to-earth, and collaborative. Together, we work at your pace, uncovering patterns that no longer serve you and finding ways to move forward with clarity and self-trust. Our work may include mindfulness, creative expression, or simply meaningful conversations that help you feel more grounded.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Overwhelmed and exhausted with everything you have to do? Feeling like a failure even though you’re always putting in 110%? If you’re going through depression and anxiety, now might be the time to connect with a therapist who can help. Let’s work together to make a plan to live authentically and put you first (or at least not last!). Continue reading to learn how booking an individual therapy session today can be the best decision you can make for yourself. I specialize in helping adults set boundaries, embrace imperfection, and prioritize self-care. We’ll work on identifying and meeting your needs, prioritizing authenticity over perfection, and looking at whether there is any trauma at the root of your people-pleasing and perfectionism. Take the next step: Schedule a free consultation on my website today!