Therapists for college students near Los Angeles, CA
Hi, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. I strongly believe in meeting a person where they are at and fostering a client-centered approach to recovery. I have worked with a wide variety of disorders. I have extensive experience with people who are experiencing depression, anxiety, work stress, crisis, relationship problems, behavior problems, and school stress. I have assisted with Life Coaching, Solution-Focusing therapy, ACT, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and goal setting. I work with my client on identifying goals and breaking them down into achievable steps.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist with over 30 years of experience. I have worked with students since the 1990s in a variety of settings and most recently was the director of the Stanford student mental health program (2008-2017) then on staff (2017-2022). I treat a variety of conditions from anxiety and depression to ADHD and bipolar disorder. I also practice intensive short term dynamic psychotherapy (ISTDP).
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.
**Welcome to Seratona Psychotherapy Collective** Seratona Psychotherapy Collective is a mental health practice dedicated to supporting college-aged adults through life’s unique transitions and challenges. Our diverse team of therapists specializes in helping students and young adults manage anxiety, depression, academic and social stress, relationship concerns, and the pressures of emerging adulthood. We understand that the college years can be both exciting and overwhelming, and we’re here to provide compassionate, culturally responsive, and evidence-based care to help you build confidence, clarity, and emotional resilience during this pivotal time.
Many young adults—especially first-generation individuals—carry a quiet mix of anxiety, pressure, and unresolved family wounds. You might be navigating cultural expectations, managing everyone’s needs, or trying to break patterns that have been passed down for generations. If you feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward, you’re not alone. I integrate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavior Therapy CBT, attachment-focused work, and culturally affirming practices. As a first-gen, bilingual therapist myself, I understand the pressure of holding multiple worlds at once. My approach is grounded in cultural nuance, deep compassion, and a commitment to creating a space where you don’t have to translate your experience—you can simply be you.
I am Bicultural and Bilingual in English and Spanish. I offer culturally sensitive therapeutic care in my practice. I am a gender affirming clinician. I offer individual therapy to those struggling with anxiety, depression, grief and trauma. I have specialized training in treating trauma with a treatment called EMDR. I help those struggling with life transitions increase their coping mechanisms to thrive. I work with Octave Behavioral Health. At Octave, I am in-network with Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, and Health Net / MHN commercial insurance plans. If you have coverage under one of these plans, please visit findoctave.com to schedule an appointment. I am currently offering Telehealth appointments exclusively
My style is warm , down-to-earth, and creative, and I strive to provide a welcoming and safe environment for my patients to express themselves. I have a passion for working with individuals who are seeking a meaningful life and see value in deepening their self-awareness. I weave traditional and esoteric psychology, and work mainly from the transpersonal perspective. This encompasses the deepest dimension of who we are, seeing life as part of an unfolding journey toward being a more whole and complete human being.
I am an experienced psychotherapist with a professional background that includes working with both mental and medical health issues. I use a variety of therapeutic approaches including clinical hypnosis, Internal Family Systems (IFS), cognitive therapy, EMDR, expressive art and brief therapy. I am also trained in Biblical Counseling to provide therapy for those seeking Christian based services. I have also had the privilege to work with individuals, families and groups to provide therapeutic support related to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, HIV, AIDS, and other chronic or end of life issues. My experience working with health related issues has helped me develop a more comprehensive and integrative approach to the treatment I provide to my clients. I am also trained in Biblical Counseling to provide Christian based therapy. This is an area of special interest in my practice and the framework from which I draw personal and professional perspective. I help individuals explore and identify their personal belief systems to understand how this might be a significant resource in their own experience. Apart from everything else, a good rapport between client and psychotherapist is essential for therapy to be effective. I believe the level of personal comfort and ease clients have in my office are key elements to the success of therapy. I make every effort to create a secure and trusting environment for my clients. Working together, we can move your life in the direction you desire.
I provide evidenced-based therapeutic interventions and services that will help you move forward when you are feeling stuck. I can make therapy accessible to fit your active life as a college student. I have completed several continuing educational trainings in areas such as DBT, CBT, TF-CBT, crisis intervention, depression, anxiety, infant mental health, and many more. My experience and expertise includes higher-education, research on cultural and clinical practice, professional development, trauma, and depression. I provide evidenced-based therapeutic interventions and services that will help you move forward when you are feeling stuck. I work to help you navigate through challenges, changes, and transitions of life. I utilize a strengths-based eclectic approach that involves CBT, and various modalities that are tailored to you based on your needs and goals. I am passionate and committed to help clients on their personal journey to healing, change, and growth!
I work with adults who may feel overwhelmed by their thoughts and emotions—whether that includes anxiety, depression, negative self-talk, or other mental health challenges. My goal is to support you in achieving your mental health goals and to empower you to take an active role in your healing journey. I take a client-centered approach, placing your unique needs and mental health goals at the heart of our work together. I strive to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment where therapy feels like a safe and welcoming space. I value open communication and will listen with care and intention, while gently supporting you in navigating uncomfortable emotions and life’s challenges.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Anxious, depressed, out of balance in your life, or just need someone to talk to? Maybe you are having difficulties in your relationships or are going through significant life changes and looking for support? These are just some of the reasons people come for therapy As we travel through life each of us encounters change and difficulty. Loss, trauma, illness, aging, career or marital changes. Even positive events in life such as going to college, a new job, or a new relationship can throw one off balance, causing stress, anxiety, depression, and confusion. It's OK to need help sometimes. I offer therapy services to adults, children, and adolescents. I enjoy working in a collaborative way with clients, helping them to build on their strengths, get a new perspective, and develop their untapped resources. I would be happy to speak with you to see if I can be of help in what you are going through right now.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Transformational Counseling was established to provide services that seek to empower the client to respond to variable life circumstances. Treatment follows a process that includes a thorough biopsychosocial assessment, practical behavioral treatments backed by research, and creating new rhythms with the aim of sustaining growth that not only seeks to alleviate temporal distress but also to invest into the individual for long-term thriving independent of circumstances. Find out how we can help you.
Trauma, challenges and transitions compel us to re-examine our lives, values and patterns. Together we can find and unwind the stuck energies of depression, anxiety and other difficulties so that you can get on the path for success and fulfillment. I welcome all people, and have extra experience with students, as well as those who have endured trauma, neglect and abuse that can affect self-esteem, focus and having successful relationships. I offer a warm, down-to earth, and authentic presence. My life has been dedicated to the healing arts; training, apprenticing, studying and like us all, learning from life. I strive to create a container for connection and safety. You have the power and inner wisdom to create a good life. Sometimes we need someone to help us clear the way.
Do you ever feel like no matter what you do, it’s never enough? Maybe you’re caught in cycles of people-pleasing, anxiety, or perfectionism—always showing up for others but still questioning your own worth. On the outside you may look like you’re holding it together, but inside you’re exhausted. If you long for authentic relationships and the confidence to feel secure in yourself, therapy can help. Our work together is deeper than surface-level talk therapy. Through IFS and a warm, supportive approach, I’ll help you uncover the root of what’s keeping you stuck. Clients often say I bring a calming, compassionate presence while also gently challenging them to see things in new ways. I specialize in helping high-achievers in Bakersfield and across California heal the roots of shame, anxiety, and people-pleasing. My goal is for you to feel more confident, connected, and at peace with yourself. If you’re ready to take that first step toward lasting change, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.
My name is Sandra Martinez and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Orange County, CA. I work with young adults/teens and specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitional changes, relationship issues, peer-related issues, stress, and family issues. I am trained in various evidence-based models of treatment and utilize an integrative therapeutic approach to optimize the needs of the clients that I serve. I have a collaborative approach to goal setting with clients. I work with the client to see what they would like to get out of therapy and what changes they want to make. I typically work well with young adults and teens who are willing to explore and make changes in their life. My communication style is very calm, empathetic, open minded, direct, personable, and I enjoy using humor as appropriate. I want my clients to feel comfortable and like they can be themselves when we work together. Please reach out if you have specific schedule questions.