Therapists for college students near University of Southern California

Welcome, I'm so glad you're here. Hi! My name is Lauren O’Brien, LCSW (she/her), I am a psychotherapist and sex therapist specializing in supporting young and midlife adults who are navigating self doubt, fear, or anxiety related to identity, relationships, sexuality, or impulsive behaviors. After completing many years of training, degrees, and therapy of my own, I am honored to help people from all walks of life heal from anxiety, doubt, and unhelpful behaviors that prevent them from living authentically and without shame. This may include perfectionism, loneliness/isolation, people pleasing, interpersonal conflicts, fear, internet or porn use concerns, impulsive/compulsive behaviors, disordered eating, and low-self esteem/crappy self-talk. If you're looking for a therapist who's super relational, authentic, attuned, and attachment-oriented, you're in the right place.

My practice integrates relational psychodynamic and politicized somatic lineages and I love working with survivors of trauma, queer community, neurodivergent community, young adults, social justice organizers, artists, deep feelers, and outsiders.

Starting therapy is a big step—one that takes courage. College can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Maybe you're struggling with the weight of past experiences, feeling lost about your future, or dealing with relationship challenges that leave you unsure of where you stand. Balancing all of this while trying to keep up with school and daily life can feel like too much to handle on your own. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Therapy is a space where you can bring your full self—your worries, frustrations, hopes, and uncertainties—without fear of judgment. My goal is to help you make sense of what feels messy, reconnect with your strengths, and navigate the challenges that are holding you back. I specialize in working with college students and understand the unique struggles that come with this stage of life. If you're curious about how therapy might help, I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation. Feel free to check out my website or send me an email with any questions. No matter what you're facing, you're not alone, and I'm here to support you.

Asking for help and opening up can be a difficult process but allowing yourself to share troubling and stressful experiences can help you to regain control over your life. Learning to improve safe coping skills can help one to release stress and anxiety and better deal with life circumstances in a more positive way. Releasing hurt and pain is a healing process and promotes growth which can improve relationships and overall life satisfaction. The 1st step to healing is building a therapeutic relationship where one feels accepted & can feel safe being honest. I have specialized training in crisis counseling, CBT and solution focused therapy in a variety of settings over the past 16 years. I can assist you in improving your anxiety and depression by helping you increase safe coping skills. Please feel free to call or email me to determine if I am accepting new clients. I look forward to the opportunity to help you reach your full potential and to bring greater meaning to your life.

If you’re looking for a therapist who values curiosity, empathy, and an ongoing commitment to social justice, I might be the person you’re looking for. My clients come to therapy with a variety of concerns, including healing from trauma, chronic pain, stress, and anxiety. Others are looking for support around relationships and intimacy. Many of my clients identify as queer, disabled, non-monogamous, or women in STEM. I have specialized experience supporting students who have experienced interpersonal violence, such as sexual assault or domestic violence. I use a somatic, mind-body approach in my work, and view therapy through a liberatory, intersectional lens. If that sounds like a good fit, I invite you to book a free, 20-minute consultation with my practice to learn more!

My practice specialization is focused on women’s issues and perinatal mental health. In response to the recent changes in access to women's reproductive healthcare, many of us are feeling confused, scared, (and p*ssed off!). I provide a safe space for women to process whatever emotions they may be feeling as a result of their direct experiences or related to future concerns. I believe that the relationship between clinician & client is the foundation for a successful therapy experience. Please know that I realize how difficult it is to connect with a “stranger” when you are feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable. Therapy can be challenging, but it can also be very enlightening. It can also be light-hearted & fun. (I guarantee a few laughs during each session!) I utilize a variety of therapy techniques, which ultimately allows for flexibility in making sure that you get what you need in a way that works for you.

If you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, overwhelm, trauma, or issues controlling alcohol use… our team can help. Our mission is to provide highly effective, personalized care that empowers and guides you through life’s challenges, transitions, and complications. We support each individual to be the best version of themselves, live a vibrant life, feel supported and less alone by utilizing our experience and evidence-based techniques tailored to meet their needs. Each therapist on my team has their own specialties and unique training. We treat a wide array of client and would love to support you in your therapy process.

I became a therapist because I deeply believe in the power of healing, growth and change. Through my own experiences, I have come to understand the value and profound impact that compassionate support and a safe, nonjudgmental space can have on someone’s well-being. I knew I wanted to provide that for others—whether it’s through offering guidance, a listening ear, or the tools needed to overcome difficult moments. My approach to therapy is rooted in deep empathy, active listening, and respect for your unique experience. I am here to truly hear you—without judgment, without rushing to solutions. I believe in meeting you where you are, and I will always create a safe, open space where you feel comfortable expressing your thoughts and feelings. At the same time, part of feeling truly understood sometimes means gently challenging patterns or thoughts that may not be serving you or guiding you to the life you want to live. It’s my belief that this balance of listening deeply and challenging constructively is key to creating lasting change. Working together will be a collaborative partnership. I will be here to offer support and understanding, but also challenge you in ways that help you move forward. It’s a journey of mutual respect, trust, and deep care, and I’m committed to patiently walking alongside you through every step.

Tired of feeling so tired? Ya I get it. I'm not like other therapists, I'm a cool therapist. Many of the people I work with are navigating grief and loss, school, work and life stress, and relationship challenges that can leave them feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of what comes next. Maybe your loved one died and you’re trying to figure out how to move forward, your boyfriend or girlfriend broke up with you and you’re struggling with the loss of the relationship, or someone you love is no longer part of your life in the way they once were. You may be adjusting to a major life change, caring for a loved one, experiencing a breakup or relationship conflict, or trying to cope with a loss that others may not fully understand. In addition, I work with individuals managing stress related to chronic illness, and autoimmune diseases. I also work with people experiencing anxiety, depression, burnout, self-criticism, perfectionism, emotional overwhelm, and difficulty setting boundaries. You might be stretched thin at work and home, feeling like you’re constantly taking care of everyone else, questioning whether you’re on the right career path, or struggling to balance your responsibilities with your own needs. Together, we can work through what you’re carrying, make sense of what has changed, and create space for greater clarity, confidence, connection, and a sense of purpose. Don't know if the glass slipper fits yet? That's fine, text me and we can do a quick and FREE consult call and you can ask me any questions you may have

I am very easygoing and like to provide a relaxed, judgment-free space for my clients to talk about the issues (and successes) currently in their lives. I am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I have experience working with clients experiencing Trauma, Bi-Polar, Depression, Anxiety, and persistent mental illness and psychosis. My journey to mental healthcare Like many therapists who chose this path, I have some lived experience with family members who suffer from anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. I enjoy helping people find the light at the end of the tunnel and see themselves making improvements in their lives. Treatment can be brief (4-12 sessions) with a high focus on identifying the barriers preventing a better quality of life, and problem solving or learning new skills. Other times, treatment can be longer (several months) and more in-depth. It takes time to process how we got to this very spot, and reviewing our trauma and stressors. I enjoy using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help my clients learn to re-train their thought processes, so that they may find ways to independently identify and intervene in the negative, distorted thoughts that can sometimes rule their lives. My communication style I will always try my hardest to make my clients understand that I will never judge them. I am incredibly empathetic, humorous at time, but when necessary, I have to call out cycles of behavior that continue to hurt my clients. I try to approach all issues from an understanding perspective. My goals for you I enjoy collaborating with my clients on their goals. It's important that my clients buy into their goals, and typically that requires some partnership in the process. Our first session During our first session, I like to gather information on your past and then begin talking about what brings you to therapy. I like to know, if you've tried therapy before, what worked and what didn't? We will discuss diagnosis, goals and objectives, and the expected length of service anticipated to meet those goals.

I work mainly with young adults (18-40) who may be dealing with mental health challenges that include ADHD, anxiety and depression. Most of my clients face a build-up of stress related to identity, relationships, school or career. I help clients build positive and healthy mental health practices into their lives. Please visit my profiles on Headway.

Hi! We are compassionate about helping young adults with life transitions. Change is hard and stressful. Managing classes, work and a social life can be a real challenge. Life transitions and change leave us feeling anxious/depressed...and struggling to feel ourselves. We are here to help you find balance again.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

At our practice, we understand that navigating university life while balancing cultural expectations, family dynamics, and identity can feel like a lot to carry. We specifically specialize in supporting Hispanic and Latin students, providing a culturally affirming space where your background is celebrated and understood. Our team of therapists helps students navigate anxiety, academic pressure, life transitions, and generational differences. We are dedicated to breaking the stigma around mental health in our community and offer a warm, bilingual, and judgment-free space where you can feel seen and heard.

As a recent college graduate, I know how hard it is to not get behind or feel burnt out while trying to go to school and deal with daily life stressors at the same time. I am here to help clients navigate through their struggles, learn about themselves, and grow into the best versions of themselves. I am here to tend to each client's unique needs and help them on their journey of bettering themselves.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I honor and respect the opportunity I have to help my clients recognize their worth, build trust in themselves and others, and empower them to be their authentic selves. I strive to create a warm, safe, and nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, seen and truly understood. I use a client centered approach while working to build rapport with clients. I use a mix of ACT, CBT, DBT, Solution focused and MI to assist clients in identifying their values, exploring how their thought and behavioral patterns are serving them, increase their distress tolerance, build mindfulness and relaxation skills to help them meet their goals.

Having trained at the University of Notre Dame (Ph.D., M.A.), UC Berkeley (APA-accredited internship) and Stanford (post-doctoral fellowship), I bring rigorous scientific expertise into my clinical work with college students. In fact, I worked at the University Counseling Centers at all three of these schools and have continued to develop a specialized private practice that focuses almost exclusively on college students. I also teach for Pepperdine University in their Graduate School of Education & Psychology. I help clients with a range of concerns including: anxiety, depression, career and academic concerns, ADHD, relationship concerns (situationships, am I right? :) ), body image and eating disorders, perfectionism, college/life transitions, as well as family of origin challenges (let's say it together, boundaries...). I often work with high-achieving students who often are managing academically but struggling internally. My clients often put others first and themselves last. By the time they come to therapy, concerns have been going on for some time and they've reached a breaking point. They may feel they "should" be able to handle things on their own. As a recovering perfectionist and someone who was riddled with anxiety throughout college, I get it. It wasn't until my own training in CBT that I learned how destructive such thought patterns were. It inspired my clinical approach, as well as three clinical workbooks I've published on Solution-Focused Therapy, CBT, and Positive Psychology with the top mental health publishers. Many of my clients who have been to therapy before often remark how "easy" I make the process. We laugh, we learn, and talk like old friends. Therapy doesn't have to be stuffy or stressful. It's about feeling respected, validated and heard. Learning to take care of yourself, set appropriate boundaries, and thrive! I'd LOVE to work with you! Please feel free to book a complimentary 15 minute consultation at my website below so we can connect!

You may be used to holding everything together, but inside you feel anxious, overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck in your own thoughts. Maybe you overthink everything, have trouble relaxing, feel irritable or disconnected, or find yourself carrying stress long after the moment has passed. I provide online therapy for adults in California navigating anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, and emotional overwhelm. My approach is warm, practical, and collaborative. I help clients better understand the patterns that keep them feeling stuck while building coping skills they can use in daily life. Our work may include exploring anxious thoughts, stress responses, avoidance, self-criticism, boundaries, emotional regulation, and the depression or burnout that can come with long-term anxiety. Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially when you already feel overwhelmed. I offer a free 15-minute consultation so we can briefly discuss what you are looking for, whether online therapy may be a good fit, scheduling availability, fees, and insurance options.

I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, who has worked several clinical specialties including the pediatric unit, pediatric intensive care unit, adult medical-surgical unit, telemetry unit, adult inpatient psychiatry unit, and postpartum unit as a registered nurse. I received my Master of Science in Nursing from Azusa Pacific University in 2020. After graduation, I completed a one-year residency for the Veteran Affairs in Sacramento and worked with veterans with severe mental illnesses, substance abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder. I have provided psychotropic medication management in a mental health clinic, inpatient mental health units and providing psychiatric consults on medical units for two years. For the past year, I have been working at Foresight Mental Health and provided medication management while treating the whole person through a holistic mindset. I became inspired to work in the field of mental health care as I worked in several specialties of nursing and I naturally gravitated toward working with patients, who have mental health concerns. I learned the importance of listening to my patients first and then advocate for my patient’s wellbeing by partnering with them to create an individualized treatment plan that focuses on improving their overall quality of life. I have learned how to implement active listening and supportive therapy to collaborate with patients to provide them with optimal mental health outcomes. Motivational interviewing skills are are utilized to identify areas of resistance toward previous treatment to offer holistic treatment options.