Therapists for college students near UCLA

Hello and welcome! My name is Carlton Hemphill, a 34-year-old Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois who is also board certified (NCC). I received my Master’s degree from Roosevelt University in Clinical Psychology-Counseling Practice, with a concentration on child and family dynamics. I have been working in the field since 2015 and practicing as an independent clinician in my own private practice since June 2023. My therapeutic approach is grounded in behavioral and cognitive theories, focusing on how your recent experiences, environment, and thought patterns shape your current emotions and behaviors. Together, we’ll explore how these elements influence your present life, helping you make meaningful changes and move forward with confidence. I also integrate existential perspectives to help you explore your purpose, values, and fulfillment. I provide a warm, supportive environment where we focus on what’s happening in your life right now. Through direct, thought-provoking questions and unbiased feedback, I’ll help you gain clarity and make informed decisions. This process is centered on your insights, growth, and goals, and I’ll respect your pace and direction as we work together.

Welcome to my practice! I'm Kristen Ackerman, LMFT. I understand that college can be a rollercoaster of experiences. Whether you're riding the highs of newfound freedom or managing the lows of homesickness and academic stress, I'm here to offer support every step of the way. I specialize in helping individuals like you adjust to the transition of moving away from home, finding your footing amidst academic demands, and striking a balance between your studies and social life. Whether you're seeking to develop meaningful friendships or intimate relationships, I'm here to lend a listening ear and provide guidance. Navigating peer pressure is also a common challenge in college life, and I'm here to help you tackle those situations with confidence. Additionally, I have extensive experience supporting individuals dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, self-esteem issues, and identity exploration. No matter what you're facing, you don't have to go through it alone. I understand that finances can be tight for students, which is why I offer flexible rate options. My goal is to make therapy accessible and affordable for everyone who needs it. My therapy services are personalized to meet your unique needs. I utilize evidence-based practices such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness, while also integrating talk therapy for comprehensive support. I strive to create an environment where you feel comfortable and empowered to explore and grow. If you're ready to take the first step towards personal growth and making lasting changes, I invite you to reach out for a free consultation. Whether you prefer to call, email, or text, I'm here to support you on your journey.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) with over 10 years of experience. I work with individuals, couples, and families online in the states of California and Florida, and in person in San Jose, CA. My experience has included outpatient treatment, group practice, in-home care services, and higher levels of care. I enjoy working with students and individuals experiencing life transitions, with particular specialties in eating disorders, anxiety, and depression. In addition, I have expertise in working with athletes, those with chronic pain/illness, and faith-based communities. My theoretical orientation is person-centered and psychodynamic. However, I incorporate a variety of techniques depending on my client’s individual needs, including expressive arts therapies, somatic approaches, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). My hope is to come alongside individuals or groups in their healing journey by providing compassionate support, insight, and practical tools to support goal achievement, strengthen relationships, and build a meaningful life. During initial sessions, we will take time to develop a relationship, understand your current challenges and strengths, and establish goals that support forward movement. Session to session, we will process present moment thoughts, emotions, and experiences, as well as discuss overarching themes and treatment targets. As you feel better and increasingly more empowered, we will begin to space out sessions, with the goal of managing symptoms and challenges independently. I applaud you for taking steps to seek support and learn more about yourself!

I am a former 1st-gen student who is passionate about supporting individuals as they navigate higher education. Whether that means breaking out of problematic patterns, having better relationships, or living a more fulfilled life, I am here to walk with folks through that journey. My approach is relational, strengths-based, and eclectic, as I try my best to provide culturally-responsive care that recognizes not just the individual, but the systems and contexts they are living within. I support students experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, perfectionism, self-esteem issues, and more. I specialize in BIPOC and college mental health and provide individual virtual therapy as well as ADHD and Learning Disability testing.

Joy Zembruski, LMFT, LPCC, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and professional clinical counselor, as well as a proud UCLA Psychology alumna, fortunate to be based in the beautiful coastal towns of Southern California. Therapist Joy Z is experienced and open to working with a diverse population in a variety of settings. Joy’s practice—TherapyJoyZ—offers client-centered mental health services, including individual, couples, teen and family therapy as well as psychological evaluations. TherapyJoyZ specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, ADHD, addictions, and cultural adaptation, using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). Our practice is committed to providing high-quality, ethical, and compassionate care. We use evidence-based therapy methods, participate in ongoing training and continuing education, regularly review treatment progress, and follow professional and legal standards to ensure each client receives safe, effective and respectful support.

I was inspired to become a therapist by my experience working with adults with developmental disabilities. I found deep fulfillment in making a positive impact with the people in my community and wanted to make that the focus of my life. I offer a warm and kind presence that allows my clients to speak without judgment. My approach is highly focused on the underlying feelings that inform how we navigate life. Utilizing a balance between compassion and direct communication, my aim is to create an atmosphere that is kind and comforting while respecting the work we do and the need for honesty. I believe in the ideas of genuineness, empathetic understanding, and unconditional positive regard for my clients. My goal is to demonstrate acceptance for my clients from a holistic perspective that includes every aspect of who they are. Understanding all of the facets and intersecting identities that make up a person, allows me to support them at my best. I also wish to provide my clients with useful tools that can help them to be their best selves both within a relationship and individually.

I am a dual board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in Functional and Integrative Psychiatry. My ideal client seeks a holistic, root-cause approach to mental health. I work with those who’ve had suboptimal outcomes, intolerable side effects, or feel unheard in traditional care. I offer personalized visits with deep listening and individualized treatment. I also have specialized training and a passion for working with neurodiverse individuals, including those with autism and ADHD. * note I only prescribe non-stimulant options for ADHD I offer two tracks for treatment Track one: (out of network) evidence-based Functional & Integrative Psychiatry, addressing brain health, root causes, and whole-body factors. I help clients with complex or treatment-resistant issues by exploring medical, nutritional, inflammatory, genetic, and lifestyle contributors to mental wellness. Track two: Traditional Psychiatry- Medication Management & Supportive Therapy (In Network with 7 Insurances via Headway) I approach patient care with collaboration, empathy, and empowerment. I create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and understood. Healing, joy, and peace are achievable, and I am committed to guiding you on your journey to mental well-being and a healthier, more balanced life.

Some of therapeutic areas of expertise include dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, substance abuse, adjustment issues, trauma, and life stressors to name a few. I believe in providing a honest and collaborative therapeutic environment. Through this forum, an individual can search out solutions for the obstacles they encounter and gain a more authentic perception of self. I am experienced in treating adults, couples, children, and families. As a supportive, solution-focused therapist, I provide guidance to help you feel comfortable in reaching out and seeking alternatives. I utilize various therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance commitment therapy, and emotionally focused couples therapy to name a few. I believe in being respectful, compassionate, and concerned for the unique needs of each individual. As a therapist, I can help you in rekindling your internal flame of confidence, optimism, and authenticity. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I believe that each of us are experts in our lives and my goal in therapy is to support people finding meaning and purpose in their lives by providing safe and non-judgement space. One of my favorite quotes in life is “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become” by Carl G. Jung. I like to work collaboratively with my clients by using strengths-based, attachment focus and the client-centered approach to achieve their individual goals in life. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.

I partner with individuals offering compassionate, trauma-informed care that promotes healing and personal growth. Partnering as a relational helper, I hope to expand from problem-focused stories to those of strength and resilience, matched with empowerment and a clearer sense of agency, working together to create the desired changes. I have experience working with individuals, from diverse backgrounds. My areas of work have included but are not limited to struggles around anxiety, depression, identity concerns, self-esteem issues, trauma, life transitions, relational issues, and daily stressors. I use an eclectic approach, drawing from various practices such as relational therapy, narrative therapy, client-centered therapy, attachment theory, some features of dialectical behavioral therapy, psychodynamic framework, and I approach therapy through a mindfulness, justice-orientated, culturally sensitive, queer-affirmative and a trauma informed lens. I believe in a relational process in which finding a therapist that is a "good fit" as the groundwork for a supportive, transformative process. I believe that every individual can examine their life's journey and own their story; all while strengthening self-compassion and working to navigate who and how to be in relationships. Stepping into the therapeutic process is the first movement towards self-discovery and growth! "Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do" -Brene' Brown

College can be an exciting time—and also one that brings real pressure, change, and uncertainty. My practice centers on person-focused care, primarily through medication management, while also creating space for guided, supportive conversations. I work with students to understand their goals, stressors, and strengths, helping them find balance and build confidence in managing their mental health. I value collaboration and autonomy, meaning you’ll always have a voice in your treatment decisions. My goal is to empower you with knowledge and tools to support both safety and growth, so you can focus on thriving in school and beyond.

I’m inspired on a daily basis when I witness the transformative power therapy. I have a deep desire to help, and make a positive impact on the lives of others. It’s important for me to establish a safe and trusting environment where you feel heard, understood, respected, so we can foster a sense of collaboration to facilitate healing and positive change. I do this by meeting you where you currently are in your life and utilizing evidence-based approaches to therapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, plus Mindfulness, to process through anxiety, depression, relationship problems, life transitions, self-improvement, and career related stress. The therapeutic relationship is one of the most important things in therapy. I build trust and strength in the relationship through empathy and listening. I make a great effort to get an understanding of your personal story and how it may be currently impacting you, while being supportive and validating.

Something happened, and you've carried it ever since. Maybe it was one event, or maybe it was the slow accumulation of things nobody around you wanted to talk about, or maybe it's the stress of homework and deadlines. You might be stressed about fast-paced campus life. You're showing up, doing what's expected, but underneath that there's a weight that doesn't lift. I work with people who are tired of that weight: People who grew up learning that asking for help is weakness; families fractured by conflict, grief, or addiction; individuals caught in patterns of anxiety, depression, or substance use they can't seem to shake on their own. I work with individuals, couples, families, and teens in person and virtually. Sessions are real conversations. I'm not silent, waiting for you to figure it out. I listen carefully, reflect what I'm hearing, offer a direct perspective when it's useful, and challenge you when that helps. The pace is yours. If you need concrete tools right now, we build them. If you want to understand the deeper patterns, we go there. I know reaching out is the hard part. You don't need to have the right words or a clear plan for what you want to work on. My first session is yours to use however you need it. Show up, and we'll figure out the next step together. I'm glad you're here.

In my private practice, my clients present with a wide array of clinical concerns, including life transitions, identity issues, and mental disorders. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who approaches therapy with a trauma informed and culturally sensitive lens. I have been a resident of Los Angeles for five years, and in 2018 I earned my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California. Since graduating I have worked extensively in community mental health settings with adults diagnosed with substance use disorders and severe and persistent mental illnesses, as well as survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse. I understand the role that one's identity plays into one's life experience. Whatever your identity may be, I will treat you with dignity and respect, and I maintain a non-judgmental attitude in my work with my clients. I am a therapist at Octave, a behavioral health practice creating a new standard for mental health care that’s both high-quality and accessible. To learn more about my availability, please reach out to our Client Experience team by emailing or calling.

Hi, I’m Olajumoke Adeyemi, a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (NP-C). I offer integrated mental health care, combining talk therapy, medication management, and compassionate support. I work with women, adults, and young adults facing emotional pain, life transitions, trauma, and identity challenges. My goal is to help you feel supported and empowered to rediscover your voice and capacity to thrive. I address concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, grief, and relationship issues. I also offer Christian counseling. I have a relational, integrative, and trauma-informed approach, meeting you where you are and collaborating on your goals. My therapy style is warm and down-to-earth, blending modalities like CBT, ACT, and mindfulness. I also provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for a comprehensive approach to your care. In our sessions, you can expect an honest, gentle, and safe space to unpack what's weighing on you. We'll explore root causes, develop coping tools, and gain clarity for a more connected and authentic life. I am passionate about human connection and healing, and my own experiences shape my approach. I advocate for accessible, culturally affirming mental health care. Healing is possible, and you don’t have to walk the path alone. If this resonates, please reach out. I’d be honored to support you.

Hi, and welcome! My name is Katelyn, I am a therapist with a background working in university counseling centers. I enjoy supporting students, through the unique challenges of college life. Now in private practice with CoCal Counseling, I continue to help students navigate stress, anxiety, relationships, and life transitions through online sessions. My goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can gain insight, build resilience, and find strategies to thrive both academically and personally. Let’s work together to help you feel more confident, connected, and grounded. You don’t have to navigate this season of your life alone.

Hello and welcome! I am a licensed marriage & family therapist. I worked with clients in the La Jolla/San Diego area for many years before moving across the country to Florida. I currently serve California, Colorado, and Florida-based clients via secure video counseling. I work with individuals, couples, and families to help each person resolve problems, to create more satisfying relationships, and to live more fulfilling and meaningful lives. I specialize in treating anxiety disorders, couples conflict, substance abuse, eating disorders, chronic illness, and pre-marital issues, but I also have experience helping people through a wide range of other problems that may be bothering them (please see "Services Provided" for more detailed information). My approach is mostly collaborative - I believe that my clients should have options when choosing what type of therapy treatment they feel is best for them. I also, when appropriate, will work closely with a client's healthcare providers as part of the treatment. This way, my clients have additional support as we work through challenges. I absolutely love working as a therapist! Nothing gives me more satisfaction than saving a marriage, increasing the bonds of love between family members, or helping someone overcome an addictive pattern and find new meaning in their life. Please contact me to set up your first appointment.

You want to learn to be kinder to yourself, regulate your feelings, put yourself first without guilt, and heal from a past that’s holding you back. You are struggling to feel normal and feel confused about how you got to where you are. You can admit that sometimes you’re harder on yourself than you deserve. That’s where I come in! I help teens, adults, and relationship partners explore their experiences in order to improve their communication and strengthen their connections to themselves and their communities. I’m passionate about supporting my clients using systems theories, parts work, and EMDR to help them feel more capable of caring for themselves and move towards areas of pleasure in their lives. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, neurodivergence, confusion about life, sexual difficulties, relationship stress, or major life transitions, I’m ready to meet you where you’re at with warmth and care.

What inspired me to become a therapist comes from both my professional journey and my personal understanding of how complex life can be. Over the years, I have worked in multiple healthcare and community-based settings, and across each of those environments, one thing became very clear: people are not just one problem or one diagnosis. Our experiences are shaped by a combination of emotional, relational, environmental, and even systemic factors. When those pieces are not addressed together, healing can feel incomplete or out of reach. I was drawn to therapy because it allows me to work in a way that honors the full picture of a person’s life. I believe deeply in a “whole systems” approach—where we explore not only what is happening, but why it is happening, how it connects to other areas of life, and what meaningful change can look like for you specifically. My goal is not just to help resolve a single concern, but to support a process where growth in one area begins to positively influence others. In addition, my own life experiences—including moments of navigating professional and personal challenges—have given me a strong sense of empathy and respect for the courage it takes to seek support. Therapy, to me, is a space where people can safely explore, rebuild, and move forward in a way that feels authentic and sustainable. Helping you feel genuinely heard is one of the most important parts of our work together. I approach this by creating a space that is intentional, unhurried, and centered around you. That means giving you the time to express yourself fully, without interruption, and without feeling like you need to filter or edit your thoughts. I use active listening throughout our sessions—not just hearing your words, but paying attention to underlying emotions, patterns, and meanings. I will often reflect back what I’m hearing and check in with you to make sure I’m understanding you accurately. This kind of back-and-forth dialogue helps ensure that your experience is not only acknowledged, but deeply understood. Research consistently shows that when clients feel heard, respected, and involved as active participants, they experience stronger engagement and better outcomes in care. Equally important, I strive to create a non-judgmental and inclusive environment where all parts of your identity and experience are welcome. Whether you are sharing something difficult, uncertain, or even hard to put into words, my role is to meet you with openness and respect. You are not just being listened to—you are being understood, validated, and taken seriously. Working together is a collaborative and evolving process. In the beginning, we spend time understanding what brings you in, what feels most important to you, and what you would like to change or explore. From there, we develop shared goals and a plan that reflects your needs, preferences, and pace. This might include structured approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, along with other evidence-based methods that align with your situation. As therapy progresses, sessions often involve exploring patterns, building insight, developing coping strategies, and practicing new ways of responding to challenges. There is also space for reflection, processing emotions, and making meaning of your experiences. Importantly, you are actively involved in shaping the direction of our work—we regularly revisit goals and adjust as needed. Building trust and a strong therapeutic alliance is something I approach with intention from the very first session. This includes being consistent, transparent, and respectful, as well as clearly outlining what you can expect from therapy. I also invite your feedback openly, so we can address any concerns and ensure that the process feels supportive and aligned for you. A strong therapeutic alliance—built on trust, collaboration, and mutual understanding—is one of the most important factors in successful therapy outcomes. This alliance is not something assumed; it is something we actively build together through open communication, shared goals, and a sense of partnership. My role is to create a space where you feel safe enough to be honest, supported enough to take risks, and empowered enough to make meaningful changes. I believe that therapy works best when the space feels human and relatable, so I will share small, lighthearted parts of who I am to help build connection. For example, I enjoy songwriting, spending time with my pets, gardening, and participating in community activities. These interests are meaningful to me because they bring balance, creativity, and connection into my own life. Sharing them can sometimes help create an easy point of connection and remind clients that while therapy is a professional space, it is also a genuine human relationship. Thoughtful and appropriate personal sharing can help strengthen rapport and trust, making it easier for clients to feel comfortable and engaged in the process. Ultimately, my goal is to create an environment where you feel both supported and at ease—where meaningful work can happen, but where you can also feel comfortable being yourself.