Therapists for college students near UCLA

Healing tends to come from within, rarely, if ever, does it come from “outside” of us. My focus is to draw from many therapeutic approaches so that your treatment suits your needs. Let me be open, honest, and authentic with you, “I’m here to help you, not fix you.” I make it a point to do my best to support anyone who makes the choice to change their life by seeing a therapist. Admit it, this is not an easy task, in fact, it’s scary and being scared is what keeps most folks from healing. It takes “a little rebellion” from within to wake up and seek help. My greatest passion is being a healer, and a part of that is empowering you to become your own healer. In therapy, the “client is the expert” and my approach can help you cultivate the ways to increase your personal growth, insight, and courage to help yourself.

Most days you can pretend that everything is ok--that you don’t need therapy for anxiety—especially if you keep busy. Then there are these moments of panic where all of your emotions hit you and you can’t find a way to feel better. Maybe you drag yourself out of bed to go to work and have anxiety attacks where you cry in the bathroom stall. You try to keep pushing the thoughts or memories that overwhelm you away, to no avail. It doesn’t happen all the time so you can usually tell yourself and everyone else things are fine. But if you stopped for a minute and looked at reality you would notice how unhappy you are with yourself and who you are. Every move you make seems like a reminder of something you did wrong or could do better. It feels like these moments happen OUT OF NOWHERE and a part of you feels like you are going to have to live your life with these intense feelings and memories coming up unexpectedly and just having to grin and bear it until the feeling passes. Or maybe these overwhelming feelings of anxiety and dread only come up when you are dating or when you are close friends with someone. You are usually confident and happy in your life but anxiety eats away at you when you get close to someone. t doesn’t have to be this way. You can reclaim your life. Your body was MADE to feel and EXPRESS emotions. And, if you don't learn how to identify, respond to, and express those emotions regularly- they will come out- in ways that often feel out of control. My name is Lisa Manca and I specialize in working with anxiety/trauma, dating anxiety, and online therapy. My approach will help you learn how to deeply connect with your body, identify what is happening, and move through it with more ease and grace so your body has to send you those big signals less and less. We won't just TALK about what is happening or what has happened to you, we will create new routines, patterns, and strategies that feel GOOD in your body and that work in your life. Our sessions will get you moving through life with more ease (literally), dancing (sometimes), and getting really clear on creating a new way of moving through life and relationships. Through therapy with me, you will find a deep sense of safety and connection to yourself and your body. Your emotions will no longer be the enemy and you will accept who you are and be able to give compassion to yourself. You will connect with yourself, live in your body and FEEL the emotions you were once so afraid to face. Please call (415) 212-8780 to schedule your free therapy consultation now and learn how to live in your body in a way that life has more ease and less panic.

College can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. You might be trying to balance school, work, relationships, family expectations, or your own mental health — often without much time to slow down. If you’re feeling anxious, stressed, disconnected, or unsure how to manage everything, you’re not alone. I offer a warm, supportive space where you can process what you’re going through, understand your stress, and learn practical tools to feel more centered and capable. My style is relatable and collaborative, and you can come exactly as you are. Sessions are virtual and easy to fit into a busy student schedule.

Therapy for Young Adults You waited your entire life to graduate high school but things aren’t working out the way you imagined. You moved back home because the college wasn’t a good fit. Your psychological disorder is flaring up and you need some help managing your symptoms. Your mood is taking over your behaviors and it’s hard to be successful meeting all of the demands in this new phase of your life. Maybe you are confused and don’t know what to do next. I help young adults who are experiencing overwhelm with the transition into adulthood. Some issues I help young people with are: Creating goals, plans to achieve them and exploring what is getting in the way of living the life you want. Managing the demands of school, work, social situations and the tasks that come with everyday life. Anxiety. Depression. Isolation and Loneliness. Self-harm. Making and keeping friends.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Newport Beach, practicing teletherapy with adults (19 and over) throughout the state of California. My practice has been focused on enabling individuals like you to go beyond surviving to optimize their well-being. Together, we can work on discovering and leveraging your unique strengths to create positive shifts and reach enhanced levels of your potential.

Jacob’s Ladder is here to help you navigate your complex needs, provide you with the best clinical services and to provide renewed hope and optimism in this challenging time. We provide individual and group therapy that assesses for safety, teaches distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness skills as well as provide renewed hope and optimism. All of our services can be provided in person and via telehealth by licensed clinicians. We have availability Monday – Saturday 8am-8pm PST. Call today for a free consult.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed — by anxiety, school, grief, trauma, or just trying to hold it together — I want you to know you don’t have to navigate it all alone. Whether you’re a teen, a parent, or someone trying to support a loved one, I’m here to walk alongside you with compassion and care. I’m a social worker with over 10 years of experience supporting individuals and families through some of life’s most difficult moments. My path has taken me through schools, nonprofit organizations, and community-based programs, where I’ve worked with people facing a wide range of challenges. Most recently, I’ve been providing therapy and social-emotional support to high school students with IEPs—helping them work through anxiety, school refusal, complex trauma, and the everyday pressures of growing up. I have also worked with their parents to plan and implement optimal care. I earned my Master’s in Social Work from California State University, Northridge in 2017. During that time, I had the opportunity to develop an animal-assisted therapy program at a juvenile detention center, which really deepened my belief in creative, holistic approaches to healing. My background also includes working closely with survivors of domestic violence and supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families. My approach is trauma-informed, neuro-affirming, and client-centered. I’ll meet you exactly where you are. I believe healing happens in safe, supportive relationships, and I strive to create that kind of space in our work together. Whether you’re looking for practical tools, emotional support, or simply someone who gets it, I’m here to help you move toward healing and lasting growth. Please reach out if you would like to schedule a free, 15-minute phone consultation to see if I am the right fit for what you need.

Hey- I'm glad you're here. Can I just name that looking for the right therapist for yourself can sometimes be a tad overwhelming? Give yourself some props for working through these profiles-- some of my clients have described it like 'dating' because it can take a while to find someone who you really vibe with- so I'll cut to the chase of who I am, what I do, and what you can expect from sessions with me! I'm a relational and person-centered therapist, meaning, I'm attuned to your needs and goals, act like a dynamic and engaged human in session, and really strongly believe you deserve a space where you can show up fully. I also prioritize the things you need in session to feel comfortable- if that's sitting on the floor, then I'll meet you there! If you need to fidget- I've got some for you. If you want to be burrito-wrapped up under a fuzzy blanket, that's just fine too! Ultimately, I want you to feel like you're getting something out of your time in therapy and we'll work together to create a space that allows for that. A lot of the students I work with are thoughtful, inquisitive, and just carrying a lot more than most people realize. They might look like they’re keeping up just fine, but inside they’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or questioning where life is headed. Some are navigating grief or the fallout of a breakup, others are dealing with anxiety, burnout, major academic stress, or trying to figure out who they are, where they're headed, and what matters to them. If that sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone. In therapy with me, I aim for us to create a space where you can be completely yourself without having to downplay your struggles. I bring warmth, curiosity, and care, and some helpful perspectives and ways of coping that are 100% tailored to you and what you need. You show up, and we’ll take things step-by-step and explore what’s weighing on you and what may help you get through it, together. If anything here resonated with you- I welcome you to reach out and set up a 20 minute free phone call with me and we'll go from there! Best of luck finding the care you're seeking!

If you’re feeling tired of patterns that no longer serve you and ready to face what’s been holding you back, you’re not alone. Many people reach a point where they want more than survival—they want clarity, peace, rest, and a healthier relationship with themselves/equipped to thrive in relationships with others. Therapy can be a space to move forward mindfully, let go of unhelpful coping strategies, and begin building a life that feels more aligned, balanced, and authentic. Therapy can also be a space where your faith based values can be honored to enrich your experience. I support women & teen girls navigating ADHD, body image concerns, anxiety, depression, and disordered eating—areas that often overlap more than people realize. Sessions are holistic (seeing you as a whole person), thoughtful and collaborative, focused on understanding root patterns while building insight, self-compassion, and practical tools for change. Reaching out for support takes courage, and you don’t have to do it alone. If what you’ve read resonates, I invite you to schedule a free 20-minute consultation through my website. This is a chance to connect, ask questions, and see if working together feels like the right next step.

I work with adults and teens who are feeling stuck and at the mercy of depression and anxiety, but are ready to move forward and make sustainable changes. I have specialized training in perinatal mental health, including postpartum depression and anxiety, and practice trauma-informed treatment, including EMDR. If you've ever felt like you "should" be happier, doing more or coping better, I can help. We'll work together to rediscover your authentic sense of self, learn tools that help you navigate challenges, and live your life more fully. You don’t have to face hard things alone. My approach is authentic, person-centered and collaborative, and rooted in providing an emotionally safe and accepting environment. I provide brief solution-focused therapy or longer term work. I incorporate psychodynamic and cognitive approaches including modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and EMDR. Your decision to seek therapy is an empowering step towards positive change. If you're ready to begin your journey of healing, growth, and resilience, I invite you to connect with me. Please reach out with any questions you have and we can set up a time to discuss your needs and determine if I am the right fit.

Dr. Ca-Lie Cheng-Wang is a bilingual (English and Mandarin-speaking) licensed clinical and forensic psychologist in San Diego, California. Working closely with individuals experiencing relationship dysfunctions, addictions, substance use disorders, personality disorders, traumas, emotional distress, addictions, psychosis, mood-related issues, eating disorders, and acculturation issues. She provides psychotherapy and psychological evaluations to adolescents and adults. Through her work as a clinical psychologist, she helps patients overcome struggles and develop better-coping strategies to manage stressors. Dr. Cheng-Wang also provides risk assessments, psychological assessments, and evaluations to determine the patient’s current emotional states, biopsychosocial functioning, diagnosis, appropriate treatment plans, recommendations, and/or remediations. Dr. Cheng-Wang works closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, and other agencies to determine how to best treat and care for her patients. Dr. Cheng-Wang earned her Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University in San Diego, California in 2017. Dr. Cheng-Wang earned her psychoanalytic fellowship from San Diego Psychoanalytic Center, San Diego, California. She is a member of the Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology. She presently is an Adjunct Professor at California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP), Alliant International University in the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) departments, teaching Cognitive-Affective Bases of Behavior courses. Furthermore, Dr. Cheng-Wang was an Associate Level Certification with the State of California Sexual Offender Management Board (CASOMB). In addition, Dr. Cheng-Wang was the Secretary of the San Diego Psychological Association Supervisor Committee. Dr. Cheng-Wang has experience working in the forensic field, detention facilities, outpatient clinics, long-term residential treatment facilities, school, and hospital treatment settings. Her clinical experiences have been focused on diverse clientele, ranging from toddlers to geriatrics. She has experience providing individual, family, and group psychotherapy. Her specialty areas including the treatment of addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, relationship issues, attachment disorders, autism spectrum, anger management, personality disorders, and substance-related issues.

The people who come to me are curious to get to know themselves in a deeper away. I work with people to help them heal from trauma, interrupt unhelpful patterns, set healthier boundaries in relationships, dismantle crippling perfectionism, bolster their sense of self, increase self-esteem, mindfully manage anxiety, and live a more authentic existence. Together, we can work toward both short-term and long-term change.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

We specialize in treating anxiety, depression, burnout, and emotional overwhelm in adolescents and adults, often those who are high-functioning but feeling stuck, stressed, or disconnected. Our approach is collaborative and tailored, combining insight-oriented therapy with practical tools to improve emotional regulation, reduce distress, and increase clarity. We help clients identify underlying patterns while building sustainable coping strategies. The goal is greater stability, self-trust, and a more grounded sense of direction in daily life and relationships.

Anxiety, sadness, loneliness, low self-esteem, self-doubt, distress, difficulty sleeping and discomfort in our bodies are indicators that we need support. I am passionate about helping clients navigate difficult transitions, using these challenges as catalysts for healing and growth. With over 25 years of experience in various therapeutic modalities, I provide client-centered and trauma-responsive therapy grounded in compassion and empathy. It is a privilege to guide clients in processing and integrating past and present experiences. I employ Internal Family Systems (IFS) "parts work" (an approach that helps us understand and heal from past experiences by identifying and addressing different parts of our psyche), attachment theory, EMDR and Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT).

Looking for help with medicines and/or therapy? We've got you! Our group of psychiatrists is dedicated to helping you while you're away at school. We see folks in CA, IL, MA, NY, and TX. There are appointments available right away - no 6 month wait. Send us a message and we'll figure out how to help.

Specializing in working with transgender, gender non-binary clients, and those questioning and exploring their gender identity. Work with people across the lifespan, with a wide range of stressors. I also enjoy working with neurodiverse people.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

We’re a team of licensed therapists who actually get what student life is like. Whether it’s anxiety, family stuff, roommate issues, breakups, burnout, feeling lost, or just needing someone to talk to, we’ve got you. We keep it real, non-judgmental, and actually helpful. No stiff, boring therapy vibes. Just practical support that fits your crazy schedule. In-person or online (telehealth) sessions available. You don’t have to carry everything by yourself. Ready to feel better? Come chat with us on Thrive or reach out for a free consultation.