Therapists for college students near UCLA

I care about others and want to help people better understand the power of their emotions as an empowering tool to live a better life, for themselves and others in society and the communities we may be from. Mental health stigma is apparent in society, it is a mission statement for me to support in breaking stigma. I come from a multicultural immigrant and BIPOC/API background; serving this populations and the mental health challenges they may be facing in America is meaningful work to me. I understand how it feels to struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, complicated family dynamics, academic stress, racism, systemic oppression, religious trauma, chronic/rare illnesses sexual orientation discrimination, gender identity challenges; I focus my scope of practice & clinical skills towards serving these issues. I work in a client centered strength based and collaborative approach, where I work alongside clients as professional partners in treatment to focus on goals they care about and we both agree are appropriate and achievable in this treatment services setting. I ask open ended questions and take time and patience with clients to support them in feeling safe and comfortable enough to open up over time. I value constructive feedback, as the therapy space should be known that is is two humans working together towards clients’ goals, hopes, and wellness.

* I'm licensed in Louisiana and California and would love to work with you virtually by FaceTime, Zoom, or phone. Reach out at 504-261-4443 (text) * I am in-network for many health plans for students from California through Headway Therapy. You only pay your copay through the portal. Start here: https://headway.co/providers/lisa-tahir-3?utm_source=pem&utm_medium=direct_link&utm_campaign=63753 * I am a Tulane Alum and teach in the Glass Art Department. * Check out my podcast, "All Things Therapy" on Spotify and iTunes * I've written a book on self-forgiveness and empathy endorsed by His Holiness The Dalai Lama, "The Chiron Effect: Healing Our Core Wounds through Astrology, Empathy, and Self-Forgiveness." Give me a text to 504-261-4443 to start your healing journey!

Heather Ward, MA, LMFT, PMH-C, is a licensed therapist with deep roots in college campus mental health, having provided counseling and wellness support across multiple higher education settings in the Los Angeles area. Trained at the University of Southern California's Rossier School of Education, Heather has worked at Pierce College, West LA College, and California State University, Northridge, where she managed large student caseloads, coordinated care with multidisciplinary campus teams, and developed workshops focused on building healthy relationships and emotional resilience. Heather brings a warm, collaborative style and a nonjudgmental presence to her work with students navigating depression, anxiety, identity shifts, and the pressures of academic life. She draws from attachment-based, psychodynamic, and mindfulness-oriented approaches to help clients build emotional regulation skills and strengthen their sense of self during pivotal life transitions. Earlier in her career, Heather also contributed to campus mental health from an administrative lens, developing and implementing strategic mental health and counseling initiatives at UCLA Extension — giving her a uniquely well-rounded perspective on how students are supported at an institutional level. Heather is committed to culturally sensitive, inclusive care and has experience supporting diverse student populations across community college and university settings.

My interest in mental health began from a desire to understand how our experiences shape who we are. This curiosity grew into a passion for helping others explore these influences, gain deeper insight, and create healthier ways of relating to themselves and the people around them. The more we understand ourselves, the more we can understand others. Whether you’re coming to therapy during a difficult time or seeking support for accountability and personal growth, what matters most is simply showing up for yourself. That act of showing up can be one of the hardest things we do. Yet it is also essential, not only for your own well-being, but for your ability to show up more fully for the people and things you care about. I view therapy as an act of kindness toward yourself, an intentional pause to check in, look inward, and take meaningful steps toward becoming your best self. Over time, this process can create a ripple effect of growth, both within yourself and across all areas of your life.

My work is collaborative, conversational and client-centered. Your goals are my goals, and understanding the values beneath those goals often drives my curiosity. Sometimes it can feel like different parts of us want different things or are even in conflict with each other. Understanding how to negotiate with these different parts - and to honor how and why they came to be - can help us find the agency to live lives of integrity, freedom, meaning, and connection.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

My name is Betel, and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist providing telehealth services to individual adults, adolescents, couples, and families living anywhere in the state of California. I practice a humanistic and existential form of therapy, in which the art of nonjudgmental self-awareness is central. Through a process of sustained, open curiosity, my clients learn to renew contact with what they have exiled within. This experience of returning to one’s whole human nature brings increased choice, responsibility, spontaneity to their lives. As a guide, I also use depth and process-oriented techniques from gestalt, somatic, and mindfulness traditions. Therapy is a relationship and a dialogue. I show up with a style that is gentle but honest, and full of reverence for all the light & shadow that make up a human life. I especially welcome those that are pursuing matters related to identity, creativity, or major life transitions.

Dr. Yip is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in California and specializes in Forensic and Neuropsychology. Dr. Yip takes a collaborative approach to therapy. This approach starts at identifying the roots of the problem by understanding the individual’s social environment, daily needs, obstacles, and daily life. Dr. Yip draws from a variety of treatment modalities to facilitate change through a collaborative process of insight building, goal setting, and reflection.

Does this sound familiar? You want to be happy and fulfilled but instead you feel: · Uncomfortable in your own skin · Paralyzed by anxiety about what life will throw at you next · Like you are constantly spiraling and no longer have confidence · Stuck and alone These feelings can result in having a negative outlook on life causing you to experience difficulties in relationships, school and work. Life doesn’t have to stay this way! Hi, my name is Sharon Greene. My team and I can help. We provide therapy online for anxiety and depression using the most effective psychological practices. With warmth and curiosity, we assist clients in exploring the current reasons for their struggles. Since thoughts are powerful, we help clients to consciously explore ways to transform their mindset to help them reduce their pain and step into their authentic selves to create the lives they want. We utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and other evidenced based practices to assist clients in meeting their goals. Our clients walk away from therapy having an improved outlook on life, a sense of confidence in themselves, ability to experience moments of joy and peace and most importantly, with tools they can utilize to maintain their progress.

You may be carrying generations of stories in your bones. You might be the first in your lineage to pause, to rest, to ask: What would it mean to live differently? Whether you’re unlearning survival patterns, tending to old wounds, or simply trying to hear your own voice beneath the noise. I want you to know that you don’t have to do it alone. As a queer, first-generation Mexican-American therapist and a daughter of immigrants, my approach is rooted in cultural humility, relational depth, and embodied compassion. I offer a space that honors all the parts of you— your strength, your softness, and your truth. My world is shaped by music, movement, language, and story, and I bring that spirit into our work together. I will witness you fiercely and gently. I will reflect back the person I see in front of me—resilient, intuitive, capable, and deserving of care that meets you where you are. Holding space for QTBIPOC clients, especially those navigating layered identities, is not only a privilege, but a responsibility I carry with reverence. I strive to offer a practice that is consistently affirming, culturally attuned, and radically safe. My work is for those who: Are first-generation or multi-generational cycle-breakers, seeking to redefine connection, boundaries, and belonging Hold intersecting identities with nuance Feel exhausted from performing, pleasing, or holding everything for everyone else Are healing from quiet trauma: emotional neglect, attachment wounds, chronic invisibility Long for a relational and soulful approach to therapy Values and Approach I hold a deep commitment to practicing therapy that is inclusive, anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and rooted in accessibility and transparency. These aren’t just values—they are living principles that guide every aspect of how I show up in the room with you. I believe that every story holds weight, and that it’s a sacred thing to be witnessed in your truth. Yet so many of us have never had the chance, or the safety, to be truly vulnerable. In our work together, I strive to create the kind of space where you can exhale. A space where we explore the roots of your experiences with curiosity and care, where old narratives are gently questioned, and where your body and mind are invited into healing through deep compassion. It is devastating when I hear that individuals have not had safe and productive experiences in therapy. This is not your fault. Many people, especially BIPOC and queer folks, have felt misunderstood, pathologized, or minimized by past providers. I’m passionate about offering reparative, empowering therapy to help you reclaim your voice and your worth and to provide a truly transformational experience for first-time therapygoers. We’ll make room for grief and joy, for dismantling what no longer serves you, and for building a more compassionate, grounded relationship with yourself. When you start, I simply ask you to arrive as you are and begin from where you presently stand. When not in session, I am reading in my local coffeeshop or moving my body through yoga and dance. I hope you don't mind that my two cats, Finnegan and Chaos, will occasionally make an appearance in our sessions. I can't wait to hold space for you!

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I specialize in supporting individuals through challenging times—whether you're struggling with sadness, worry, stress, or facing difficulties in relationships or family dynamics. My approach is rooted in evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Informed Care, and Family Therapy, all while recognizing the importance of treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—in the healing process. When we begin, my priority is to create a safe, supportive space where trust and connection can grow. I believe therapy is most effective when we work together as a team. You bring your unique experiences, and I bring my expertise. Together, we’ll explore your challenges and create a personalized plan that aligns with your needs and goals for growth. I’m deeply passionate about this work because I know firsthand that, even in the most difficult moments, there is always hope. With the right support, resilience, and a willingness to grow, it’s possible to find clarity, strength, and healing. I look forward to partnering with you as we navigate your journey toward positive change and personal growth.

With many years of experience in community and private practice, I am deeply inspired by the resilience of the human spirit and the courage it takes to seek growth and healing. My passion for mental health care stems from my understanding of how past experiences shape present relationships and behaviors. This perspective drives my commitment to helping individuals understand and transform the narratives that may leave them feeling overwhelmed. In our sessions, I create a warm, direct, and interactive environment where you feel truly heard and understood. By collaborating with you, I aim to normalize your experiences and empower you to lead the way in making the best decisions for your personal growth and self-development. Together, we’ll build a sustainable framework for mental health and coping skills to support a balanced and fulfilling life. Trust is the cornerstone of my approach. By honoring your unique story and meeting you with empathy and respect, I strive to foster a strong therapeutic alliance. Whether working with individuals, families, or communities facing challenges like trauma, substance abuse, or homelessness, my goal is to provide person centered care.

Working in the mental health field inspires me because of the resilience I see in people. Even in life’s hardest moments, you have the capacity to heal, grow, and build a meaningful life. My role is to help you reconnect with your strengths, navigate challenges, and discover what works for you. In sessions, I focus on authenticity and clarity. I listen closely and with empathy, because your experiences and feelings truly matter. My approach is trauma-informed, meaning I’m mindful of how past experiences can shape the present, and I aim to meet you where you are without judgment or pressure. I draw on an integrative and holistic approach, addressing the connection between mind, body, and emotions to support your overall well-being. Trust and connection often develop naturally in the therapeutic space. For many clients, having a nonjudgmental person to share with—someone who listens without an agenda—can be profoundly impactful. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe to explore, grow, and rediscover that life is worth it, and so are you.

As your therapist, my priority is to create a therapeutic environment that fosters growth and positive change. I'm excited to work with you, addressing your challenges and helping you achieve your goals. Therapy is a transformative process that can guide you towards becoming the healthiest and happiest version of yourself.

I was drawn to becoming a therapist because I saw how meaningful it can be for people to have a safe, supportive space to talk openly and work through challenges. I really enjoy listening to others stories and helping them better understand themselves, their relationships, and their emotions so they can move toward positive change. I will work to make sure you feel heard and understood by really listening to you without judgement and taking your experiences seriously. I will reflect back what I am hearing to check that I’m understanding you accurately, and I will ask questions when I need more clarity rather than making assumptions. I also want you to know that your feedback matters, if at any point you feel misunderstood or something doesn’t sit right with you, I encourage you to tell me so we can adjust and make this space feel as safe and supportive as possible for you. Working together is very collaborative. We will move at a pace that feels comfortable for you, and we will focus on what matters most to you and what you would like to change or better understand about your life. Building trust takes time, and I see it as something we create together. I do that by being consistent, honest, respectful, and nonjudgmental, and by following through on what I say I will do. I will check in with you about how our work is going and invite your feedback so we can make sure this feels helpful and safe for you. My goal is for this to feel like a supportive partnership, where you can be open, ask questions, express concerns, and know that you are respected and taken seriously every step of the way.

Sarah Emmanuelle Mairesse is a trilingual (English/Spanish/French) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist focused on healing mind, body and spirit. Sarah has been working in the mental health field since 2011 and earned her Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University and her undergraduate degree in Child Development from Cal State Los Angeles. Sarah began her clinical training at Hollywood Sunset Free Clinic serving the Silver Lake community working with adults, adolescents, couples, children and their families, helping them through various psychological struggles including Anxiety, ADD/ADHD, PTSD, Trauma, Loss, Depression, Insecure Attachment, Addictions, and using a variety of modalities including Inter family, Gestalt, Psycho-dynamic and Mindfulness CBT. Sarah is a trained trauma therapist that incorporates EMDR treatment which has been proven to help clients that are feeling stuck and want to reduce and deconstruct their underlying negative thoughts and feelings to more positive and adaptive ones. Sarah uses a humanistic, client centered approach and works in collaboration with her client’s to identify problems and explore issues interfering with their ability to feel fulfilled while supporting solutions that will improve their over all well being and unlock their innate highest potential. Sarah has worked with a range of cultures and backgrounds and is comfortable exploring issues of sexual, race and gender diversity/fluidity.

If you are struggling, I would like to help. I have experience working with clients who are living with depression, anxiety, OCD, low self esteem, grief, trauma, communication difficulties, relationship issues. Working with individuals, we can explore life's challenges and how to move towards happiness and fulfillment. I have experience working with couples and families helping them to cultivate and improve interpersonal relationships. I believe that the client is the expert in his/her life and may need some help to process and move through challenges. Life can be difficult and finding the right therapist can seem overwhelming. I help my clients navigate therapy in a caring way that sets them on a path towards self discovery that instills hope and empowers them. Therapy is a process and together we develop a treatment plan specific to their needs.

I believe that you are a unique individual. You have your own path of growth and your own set of challenges. In therapy, I will deeply respect your feelings about your life and your situation. I am an empathetic and caring therapist. Clients have told me that I have a gift for putting myself in their shoes and really feeling what they feel. I use techniques such as Internal Family Systems therapy (IFS) and Energy therapy to help people heal from trauma, whether the trauma occurred early in life or more recently. You really can heal from trauma! We can greatly reduce or eliminate the multiple effects it has on your emotions, your behavior, and your relationships. I also apply these techniques to depression, anxiety and other difficulties. I care very much about the people I work with, and I will apply my professional skills and experience to your unique situation. I will help you develop new, more successful methods to handle the difficult issues you are dealing with. I may help you find strengths that you didn’t know you had. In my 20 years of practicing psychotherapy, I have helped people from all walks of life with many different backgrounds. My experience includes working with ADHD and helping people deal with complex family relationship issues, as well as with marital or partner relationship issues. I look forward to meeting you and beginning our work together.

Luck, interest, fascination of the complexity of the human psyche and opportunity. I find meaning and purpose in the privilege that comes with another’s trust in navigating adapting to life’s inevitable uncertainties. Do you feel heard and understood currently? I understand the general concept, but can you please share what “heard and understood” currently means to you? Where do you feel most and least? Let’s explore that and identify your expectations of me as the provider. Collaborative, insight oriented, strength based skill development. Short term solution focused interventions with the intended strategy to encourage increased autonomy, emotional intelligence/resiliency in accepting and navigating life’s uncertainties and intricacies!

Psychology is a fascinating field and I am passionate about helping people achieve their best selves. I have been practicing therapy for many years and in that time it has been a joy for me to see people find their joy and hope, and thrive! I believe in a collaborative working relationship and thus I approach therapy with a curious mind as we explore and discuss. I like to encourage self-empowerment, agency and independence and I like to check in with clients to confirm what I hear and give them the final say over their choice and life; I am merely the guide. I believe in practicing therapy collaboratively, working together where we will explore and discover the roadblocks and difficulties that brought them into therapy, and introducing new perspectives that will assist them in finding new ways to resolve their challenges. This is a recovery journey and I am merely the guide to assist each client in finding their best selves.