Therapists for college students near UCLA

Rui Dolen is a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in the treatment of trauma, developmental trauma, and reactions to other stressful events in children and adults. Rui is a somatic therapist combining Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP) and Attachment-Focused Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (AF-EMDR), as well as parts work (ego states). Rui's approach is a holistic (mind-body-spirit), non-violent, mindfulness-based, and attachment-based somatic approach, as well as based on Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) which is also the foundation of Rui's parenting consultation and coaching practice. Rui became passionate about parenting during her trauma work with children and families because she realized parenting is the prevention of trauma and we can all change the world through intentional parenting. After struggling with infertility, Rui now is a mother of a 28 weeks preemie baby who survived multiple surgeries and various feeding issues during the first year of her life. Embodying her own trauma practice, and with the support of her professional communities, she has been on her healing journey and grateful for her little miracle every day. Rui was born and raised in Beijing, China. With her eastern background, she is connected to mindfulness-based practice and life philosophies, personally and professionally. Growing up, Rui has seen her own family and the society in China suffering from different forms of trauma including generational trauma. Her innate curiosity and determination led her to study Psychology in the U.S. Rui holds a Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology from California Lutheran University. Since then, along with founding her own private practice, The Wholistic Connection, Rui also is a part of the mental health team at AMDA College & Conservatory of the Performing Arts in Hollywood. Rui also has worked with Strength United, Pacific Clinics, Pacific Asian Counseling Services, and most recently the intensive outpatient program at Community West. In her free time, Rui is a yogi, major foodie, Airstreamer, and traveler. Her husband and she traveled around the world for a year in 2016. Her best getaway is to take her baby, four dogs, and drive their airstream to camp in nature.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and I completed my doctoral training specializing in psychiatry at Columbia University School of Nursing in 2019. I have experience providing psychiatric care to a diverse set of patient populations across a variety of settings. I enjoy treating patients who may be experiencing a range of life's difficulties and welcome clients with new-onset or acute conditions, as well as individuals suffering from more chronic, long-term conditions. I take an empathetic, holistic, and patient-centric approach to patient care. By combining expertise in both psychopharmacology and psychotherapy, I will work closely with you to set realistic goals and create individualized treatment plans that will aid in achieving your fullest potential.

To the strong ones, You’re the one everyone leans on—but who do you lean on when the weight gets too heavy? You’ve built a life around being the reliable one, the fixer, and the steady hand in every storm. Whether in your career or your family, you are the person with the answers, the one who 'carries it well.' But high-functioning isn't the same as high-flourishing, and the pressure to maintain that strong exterior has become a silent tax on your peace of mind. Being the 'strong one' is a lonely place to be. While you’re busy taking care of the world, your own needs have become an after-thought. You deserve a space where you don’t have to perform, hold the posture, or take care of anyone else. We specialize in working with high-capacity individuals who are ready to trade "performing strength" for authentic resilience. Our approach is a blend of deep empathy and direct, results-oriented insight. This is your sanctuary—a place to deconstruct the pressure to have all the answers and finally breathe. You’ve taken care of everyone else long enough. It’s time someone held the space for you. Contact us today to schedule your free 15 minute phone consultation.

I combine a warm and direct approach with evidence-based practices (and a splash of humor) to help you unpack, examine, and rewrite the narratives in your life. Drawing from modalities such as Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Internal Family Systems, we will work to align your thoughts and actions with your values so that you can lead the life you want. I view relationships and identity development through the lens of attachment theory with the goal of helping you draw clear connections from the past to the present and into an expansive and joyful future. I know this is not easy, and take care to cater our work to meet your unique needs. I work with individuals, couples, and families, and have experience treating anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, attachment issues, self-esteem, identity development, medical diagnoses, and trauma. I work with members of the LGBTQIA+ community as well as nonmajority identified individuals. I especially enjoy working with families and individuals navigating creative blocks, pregnancy/postpartum, multicultural issues, and academic concerns. I earned a masters of science from the University of Oregon, where I received systems-based clinical training in a community counseling center, a school-based health center, and a group practice. In addition to my clinical training, I hold a masters of fine arts in Creative Writing from Oregon State University, where I also taught writing courses and worked as an academic advisor. I am a writer turned therapist who grew up in the Bay Area but spent a decade in the forests of Oregon. Raised in a Jewish South American family, I keep my culture alive through customs, food, music, and speaking Spanish whenever I can. When I’m not working, you can find me exploring the Ojai Valley while listening to This American Life, knitting hats for friends, and chasing my toddler around at the beach. Sessions are $150 for individuals and $175 for families and couples. I consider any session with minors to be family sessions as I believe this is the most effective way to treat kids and teens. As a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #144237 I work under the clinical supervision of Erika Morris, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #120118.

Are you a student who is struggling with many of the adjustments that come with attending college? Maybe you are homesick, lonely, attempting to make new friends, or have symptoms of anxiety. Many students coming into college feel the need to get all A's or procrastinate and have time management issues. You might have relationship difficulties, or family expectations that are too high to meet or unreasonable. Feeling sad, depressed, and overwhelmed can be isolating. I hope to be able to create a therapeutic relationship with you to help manage all of these normal feelings that come with entering a new experience in your life and becoming an adult.

Do you feel like something is wrong with you? Are you wishing you could just "stop"? Do you always feel like adults don't understand? My practice is based around what happened to us, not what is wrong with us. My goal is to create a safe, collaborative, interactive and fun space where you feel understood, empowered, and equipped with practical tools to meet your goals. Together we will learn, build on your strengths, and celebrate your wins. I am here to support & guide you through this process, together.

Therapy can be a great tool used to face every day stresses. As your therapist, I want to help you gain a deeper understanding about yourself and your relationships, and help you create the future you want to have. I work with adults, adolescents, and children. With empathy and compassion I pride myself on building a strong relationship with my clients that allows us to dive into the work together. My goals is to support and collaborate with you on your journey through therapy and self- discovery.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Niña Aguirre is a seasoned mental health professional with over 15 years of experience and is licensed in California. She has worked extensively as both a therapist and court liaison, serving diverse populations including adolescents, adults, incarcerated individuals, and older adults. Niña is passionate about promoting mental well-being and believes deeply in the power of human connection to foster healing and personal growth. Her approach is rooted in providing personalized, thorough care that enhances self-awareness, helping clients explore past traumas and understand their impact on current behaviors and relationships. Niña’s therapeutic style is flexible and tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. While she primarily practices client-centered and solution-focused therapy, she adapts her modalities to ensure a personalized approach. Her goal is for clients to feel heard, validated, and comfortable enough to freely process their emotions. Whether a session yields small insights or significant breakthroughs, Niña ensures each experience is meaningful. She is trained in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), interpersonal therapy, trauma-focused therapy, crisis intervention, and mindfulness, drawing on these methods to support her clients’ healing journeys and help them achieve their treatment goals.

Are you looking for a therapist who understands boundaries can be terrifying yet necessary to set & enforce? A therapist who understands change can be horrifying, or maybe a therapist who can find a tv show, movie to better convey pretty much any life occurrence? As a collaborative therapist who works through a social justice & liberation oriented framework, I am passionate about offering culturally and trauma informed therapeutic support for Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC), Differently Abled and LGBTQIA folx experiencing chronic distress in response to dominant discriminatory and oppressive systems ​I enjoy creating safe spaces for Working Professionals, Athletes, Performers,Students, Artists, Queer, Straight, Interracial, Sex+, Kink+, Monogamous & Ethical Non Monogamous​ Partners & ​Individuals struggling w/ ​Physical/​Emotional ​Affairs,​ Confidence Building,​ Shame Uncovering, Lack of ​Intimacy, ​Boundaries, ​Identity ​Exploration & ​Affirmation, ​Communication, ​Connection, ​Co-parenting​ The choice is yours, & I’m here when you’re ready!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Welcome! Therapy isn't for broken people, it's for anyone wishing to be happy and function at their best. I help students who are anxious, who have a hard time staying focused and grounded, and who worry a lot, to understand their mind and emotions in ways that help everything make sense and reduce their symptoms to a place where they feel in control. I look forward to helping you and having some fun along the way!

You may understand your patterns—people-pleasing, self-criticism, or struggles with food—but still feel stuck. I help you work through the deeper patterns driving these experiences so you can feel less shame and build a stronger sense of self-worth.

Anxiety, depression and trauma can have a ripple effect throughout your whole life felt far beyond the obvious symptoms themselves. Perhaps you experience a paralyzing level of perfectionism ruled by lists and tasks or maybe you overschedule yourself to avoid thinking and feeling. Trauma can manifest itself in many ways and can have a significant impact on your daily life. In my practice, I specialize in working with young adults, individuals with childhood trauma and adult survivors of sexual and gender based violence with a focus on navigating daily life, relationships and boundaries to overcome these difficulties. I utilize a trauma informed approach and empower clients to be the expert of their own experience. My role is to provide the tools and support needed to reach collaboratively set goals. I pull from various evidence based practices to create a unique treatment approach for each client. Additionally, I'm in training to be an AASECT certified sex therapist. While I speak German, Armenian and Farsi, all services are provided in English. Therapy is a unique and highly vulnerable environment that can be intimidating to navigate at first. I am happy to schedule an initial free 15 minute consultation call to discuss your concerns and to determine if I am the best fit for your needs.

Dan is a Psychological Associate in the State of California. As an intern, he worked in Hospice Care where he assisted clients dealing with grief, trauma, and life changes. He was also able to help clients work through anxiety, depression, and stress. Dan provided personalized help for each specific hurdle his clients faced, such as loss of job or relationship, life transitions, and end of life concerns for self or others. Dan received his Doctor of Psychology from California Southern University and his Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Loyola University Maryland. His focus in therapy is based on both Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Existential Therapy. In Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dan is able to help the client understand what thoughts are present and how to work through those thoughts to change behavior. An additional option for clients, if they desire, is Existential Therapy; with this optional approach, Dan helps the client to focus on larger questions involving purpose in life, drives and passions, meaning of life and also death, and other topics. While some of Dan’s interests include helping clients who struggle with spiritual concerns and members of the LGBT+ community, Dan is prepared to help each and every person that he can. His experience in working with people from all walks of life and diverse age groups aids Dan’s flexibility and aptitude for helping many different people seeking help.

As a young therapist, I bring both professional expertise and personal insight into the intricate dynamics of college life. Having navigated the complexities of college myself, I comprehend the intricate tapestry of pressures, relationship dynamics, substance use concerns, and the myriad challenges that accompany this transformative period. I'm not just a therapist; I'm a compassionate guide committed to your well-being. I’ve been through the complexities of college life and I understand the pressures, relationship dynamics, potential substance use concerns and the different challenges that come with this transformative period in your life. From the outside looking in, parents don’t always understand the challenges that come with college life, and I want to be that supportive other to help you get through it. Therapy is a sacred space and my focus is helping you get to the root cause of your struggles. I find that healthy relationships are the key for psychological, physical, and spiritual health. I provide awareness into your behaviors, and the ability to see the underlying issues of why you're unsatisfied with your life. If you're having difficulty regulating your emotions when it comes to romantic relationships, or feel that you find yourself in the same relationship again and again, then you have come to the right place. I will help you get to the core of these issues, and find yourself content with your personal relationships. I create space and offer insight into your behaviors, and together, will teach you about repetition compulsion. You will feel that you have control of your emotions, over codependency, and be free of addictive behaviors. You can heal. I am not the type of therapist that will sit back and just listen, I truly want to help you turn over your pain and be free. I offer a strong, empathetic approach, and teach my clients how to feel confident within themselves. You will receive guidance from me. We will be engaging in dialogue. I am direct but compassionate, and want to teach you how to be direct and vulnerable too. You will leave each session gaining insight into your behaviors. You will challenged and supported.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hi, I’m Jamie. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with years of experience treating various disorders. I believe in a compassionate approach to mental health treatment and will work closely with you to develop an individualized treatment plan. I take a holistic perspective on mental health medication treatment and will carefully evaluate your background, lifestyle, and health history to help you choose the right medication. I believe in providing a nonjudgmental and safe space to explore your treatment options. I value getting to know who you are today and understanding your past experiences and future goals. I look forward to meeting you.

Hi, I’m Coreetha Entzminger, a Registered Psychological Associate with a deep commitment to supporting mental health and wellness for children, families, and individuals from all walks of life. Over the past ten years, I’ve worked as a crisis counselor and child advocate in both nonprofit and private practice settings, helping people navigate everything from trauma and anxiety to life transitions and stress. I’ve always been drawn to this work because I believe in the power of healing, growth, and connection—and I consider it a privilege to walk alongside my clients as they work toward positive change. In addition to my clinical work, I’m involved in several other areas that support mental health awareness and education. I’m a member of the American Psychological Association’s Division 53, which focuses on clinical child and adolescent psychology, and I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to research for both federal and county-level institutions in Washington, D.C. I also teach as an adjunct professor in the psychology department at Myrtle Beach College, where I create course content for undergraduate students. Sharing knowledge and helping others grow—whether in the classroom or in a community workshop—is a big part of who I am. Academically, I earned my Bachelor’s in Psychology from Montclair State University in New Jersey and a Master’s in Psychology from Arizona State University. I also hold certifications in child advocacy and applied behavior analysis, and I’m currently working toward my Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) at California Southern University. When I work with clients, I take a collaborative and compassionate approach. Therapy with me is very much a partnership—we work together to understand what’s going on, where you want to go, and how we can get there. I specialize in treating anxiety, trauma, special needs, stress, and major life transitions, and I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help clients better understand how their thoughts and emotions impact behavior. My goal is to create a space that feels safe, affirming, and stigma-free, where you feel supported and empowered to explore, heal, and grow. In our first session, I’ll take time to really get to know you and your story. We’ll talk about your background, what’s bringing you to therapy, and any patterns or experiences that might be influencing your current challenges. From there, we’ll shape each session around your needs and goals, always moving at a pace that feels right for you. I aim to strike a balance between being supportive and gently challenging—because sometimes a little push is what we need to move forward. If you’re thinking about therapy, know that you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. I’d be honored to support you on your journey.

I specialize in working with young adults, ages 16-30, including those still living with parents. I address issues such as relationships, work, finances, identity, school stress, and trauma. I have experience working with life transitions, including anxiety and depression related to college. Please feel free to reach out to see if we are a good fit.