Therapists for college students near Los Angeles, CA

I value the opportunity to support individuals uncover their inner strength, heal from the past, and rediscover hope. I utilize a trauma-informed approach and I am passionate about supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from culturally and gender-diverse communities. I belief that everyone deserves to feel heard, understood, and supported as individuals navigate life’s challenges. Witnessing the resilience and growth of individuals as they overcome obstacles is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. I ensure individuals feel heard and understood by providing a supportive environment where one can openly share their experiences. I tailor my approach to each individual’s unique needs, drawing from evidence-based techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness and self-compassion. I work closely with individuals throughout your therapeutic journey, encouraging and empowering them to take an active role in your personal growth.

Our 1:1 therapy sessions meet your needs, in-person or via telehealth. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will work with you to create your individualized treatment plan. Our programs include multiple areas of development, including independence, communication, self-help, social-emotional, and academic skills. 1:1 nutrition counseling with a Registered Dietician (RD) is also available. For more information, please visit our website and contact us.

My goal is to support individuals in identifying what "balance" and "wellness" means, looks like, and feels like to them at this point in time in their lives. Sometimes, we need support in redefining "balance"/"wellness" as we evolve! I specialize in working with anxiety, relationships (this includes friendships!), first generation students & professionals, exploring one's relationship with food and one's body, and personality disorders/traits. While I practice from a DBT-informed approach, I believe flexibility is an essential part of the therapeutic process; I will draw from other therapeutic approaches (within my scope of practice and competence) to support your needs, preferred learning styles, goals, and evolving needs. Additionally, if you are currently looking to focus on DBT, I offer DBT skills coaching sessions. These sessions prioritize the introduction/reintroduction of DBT skills and discussing individualized skill application. I provide online and in-person sessions for individuals currently residing in the state of California. Please do not hesitate to reach out to schedule a 15-minute consultation.

Are you preoccupied with thoughts about food? Are you stuck in a cycle of dieting, bingeing, purging, or exercising and having trouble figuring out how to stop? Are you ashamed about your eating? Hating your body? You can break the cycle, achieve peace with food and your body, and get your life back. We provide treatment aligned with an anti-diet approach called Health At Every Size (R). We specialize in providing research-proven treatments for eating disorders, anxiety, and depression.

College can be overwhelming. Stress, identity questions, relationship issues, and big life decisions often collide all at once. I work with college students who want support that feels real, thoughtful, and tailored to who they are. My approach is collaborative. We focus on practical tools, honest conversations, and building insight so you can feel more steady, confident, and clear about your next steps. I offer a free, no-pressure phone consultation to help you decide if working together feels like a good fit.

I'm a licensed psychotherapist based in Los Angeles, California, specializing in work with high-achieving individuals and LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. I work with people navigating anxiety, burnout, career stress, and major life transitions, as well as LGBTQ+ families and same-sex couples, including those exploring or building parenthood. My approach is depth-oriented, drawing on Jungian psychology to help you understand the patterns shaping your life, not just manage symptoms. As a former lawyer and a member of the LGBTQ+ community myself, I bring both personal and professional experience to this work. I offer private pay therapy and a free consultation to see if we're a good fit.

Life is full of moving pieces, and maintaining balance, relationships, healthy boundaries, self-esteem, and so many more often feels difficult. I am committed to developing a transparent, safe, and collaborative relationship with my clients. Feeling overwhelmed by current or past trauma(s), depression, anxiety, or a burden you have carried through life can be helped through the therapeutic relationship process. You are the expert on your own life, and I don’t take that for granted. Together, we will find the best path for your therapy journey. I will strive to help you develop new ways of thinking and support you in finding peace and confidence to help you create the life you want and deserve. I’ve spent over a decade working with clients from diverse backgrounds and settings, and it became clear that no one type of therapy fits everyone. I approach relationships with my clients warmly, mindfully, and compassionately. Our life experiences often shape the pattern of our thoughts and behaviors and perspective of adult life. Each of us brings our own stories to therapy, and would be an honor to learn about yours.

I went into psychology to address what I believe is a growing imbalance of work/life stress and personal guilt in modern day society. I want to help clients struggling with this both individually and as couples or families. Experiences from past careers has given me an appreciation for diverse learning methods and cultural attitudes, as well as how to be flexible and creative in my coaching with clients of all ages. Managing the ups and downs of any chronic condition is the unacknowledged full-time job of millions of people, and yet there is little credit given for it. I am here to be supportive, inventive, encouraging, and sympathetic to clients struggling with the ongoing stress of managing their lives, and help them lead an enjoyable life no matter what they may be handling. I believe that when people connect, lives get better. I have always been an advocate for others’ growth, and enjoy helping people gain insight into themselves and their world. As a marriage and family therapist, I help individuals address elements of their lives and themselves that are interfering with their relationships. As an individual therapist, I focus on unlocking and identifying core motivations and strengths in clients that are unique to them, and which often provide clients with the direction or guidance they are seeking. My psychotherapy practice is tailored to give clients exactly the kind of supportive opportunity they need to focus inward, realign with their personal needs, and heal from stress as they learn to manage it. I have a warm communication style that clients describe as encouraging, analytical, and direct. I use a Cognitive Behavioral approach, with elements of Emotionally Focused Therapy to explore deeper memories, and Solution-Focused principles to create measurable progress between sessions.

Dr. Vargas specializes in the treatment of depression, emotion dysregulation, trauma, and anxiety among teens and adults. She provides Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based therapies. She works with people experiencing the consequences of minoritization, including racial trauma, acculturative, and minority stress. She is an LGBTQ+ affirming provider. Provee terapia en español. Dr. Vargas completed her postdoctoral training at UCLA and predoctoral clinical internship at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. She received her PhD and MPH from the University of Southern California and her BA from McGill University.

I'm Brooke Sundin, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and the owner of Light Minds Child and Family Therapy, a private practice based in Brentwood, Los Angeles. I work with college students and young adults adjusting to new responsibilities and the growing pressures of adulthood. The clients I work with are often dealing with anxiety, OCD, depression, self-esteem struggles, and the life transitions that come with this stage: starting or finishing college, moving to a new city, figuring out relationships, choosing a path, or grieving the version of life you thought you'd have by now. Some of what we work on is symptom-focused. A lot of it is bigger than that, like building a clearer sense of who you are and what you actually want. My approach is collaborative, interactive, and warm. Therapy can be a vulnerable space to step into, and I'm here to cheer you on along the way. I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all model, so I adjust my approach based on what you actually need. I draw on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness. I'm also certified in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) through the Yale Child Study Center, which I use when parents want to be part of the support system. I'm licensed in California, Florida, Utah, and Tennessee, and I see all clients via secure telehealth, which tends to work well for college students juggling class schedules, internships, and a life that doesn't sit still. Reaching out for support is one of the hardest steps, so thank you for considering me. If it seems like we could be a good fit, I'd be honored to learn more about your story and welcome you to the Light Minds family.

College can be exciting, overwhelming, and everything in between. It’s a time of big changes, big questions, and a lot of pressure—about who you are, where you belong, and whether you’re doing “enough.” I work with college students who are navigating anxiety, body image struggles, perfectionism, and that nagging feeling of not measuring up, even when everything seems fine on the outside. If you’re feeling stuck, anxious, or just off, therapy can be a space to slow down and figure out what’s really going on. Together, we’ll explore what matters to you and what helps you feel more like you. My approach is warm, supportive, and down-to-earth. Whether you’re on campus or away, we’ll work together to help you feel more confident, grounded, and connected—both to yourself and the life you’re building.

A major inspiration for me was my five years as a Director of Programs for a Los Angeles nonprofit, where I supported youth and young adults transitioning out of foster care, as well as those recovering from trafficking situations. Through that work, I saw how powerful it is when people feel truly seen, heard, and supported. I was especially drawn to helping young people and families navigate complex emotions and relationships. That experience led me to become a therapist so I could continue supporting children, families, and couples in building stronger connections, healing, and growth. My approach is very client-centered, which means I focus on creating a space where you feel safe, respected, and able to be yourself. I listen closely, reflect back what I’m hearing, and check in often to make sure I’m understanding your experience accurately. Whether I’m working with a child, a couple, or a family, I make sure each person feels included, valued, and supported. I also integrate creativity and flexibility into sessions, because not everyone expresses themselves best through words alone. Working together is collaborative—you are the expert on your life. My role is to support and guide you. With couples and families, that often means helping improve communication, strengthen relationships, and create a deeper understanding of one another. With children, I may incorporate play, art, or creative activities to help them express themselves in ways that feel natural and comfortable. Trust is built over time through consistency, openness, and respect. I show up authentically, follow through, and create a nonjudgmental space where you can share at your own pace. I also invite feedback so we can adjust our work together in a way that feels most helpful to you. I love incorporating creativity into my own life—I’m always exploring new art activities or creative projects. I often bring that energy into sessions, especially with kids and families, because it can make the process feel more engaging and even a little fun at times.

Keeping up with expectations, family dynamics, social life, relationships... It's easy to feel disconnected from what we want out of life when we're just trying to get through the day. Many people who seek out therapy with me struggle to take time for themselves and set boundaries. I help adults overcome anxiety and people pleasing so they can feel empowered to live authentic, intentional lives. I support my clients in processing emotions, untangling the past, and gaining insight. Together we challenge those patterns that are no longer serving while building new ones. I'm passionate about helping my clients achieve more balance and fulfillment. You've already taken the first step- I invite you to reach out for a free consultation today.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Early on, friends would often come to me for advice, and they told me I was a good listener. That made me curious about becoming a therapist. But once I started studying psychology, I realized therapy isn’t really about giving advice. It’s more about helping people explore their experiences, understand themselves better, and find their own solutions. Making sure you feel heard and understood is really important to me. One of the main ways I try to do that is by listening closely and reflecting back what I’m hearing, so we can check that I’m understanding you the way you intend. I’ll also ask questions to help clarify things and give you space to talk at your own pace. If at any point something I say doesn’t feel right or I misunderstand you, I really welcome you telling me so we can adjust together. My goal is for this to be a space where you feel comfortable sharing openly Building trust is really something that develops over time. My role is to create a space where you feel respected, not judged, and able to speak openly. I try to do that by listening carefully, being honest and consistent, and checking in with you about how our work together is feeling. If something isn’t working for you, we can talk about it and adjust. Therapy works best when it’s collaborative, so we’ll be figuring things out together. I really enjoy writing when I have the time and motivation for it. It’s something I’ve always found helps me think and reflect. Lately I’ve also been on a bit of a health kick—going on walks and taking some quiet time to myself. I’ve found it’s a really nice way to reset and clear my mind.

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.

I know how difficult it can be when lack of motivation, worry, or stress keeps you from living the life you want. That's why I use evidence-based techniques to help you bring the color back to life. I specialize in academic stress, life transitions (like entering college or getting ready to graduate), work-life balance, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, and perfectionism. I take an individualized approach to therapy by prioritizing client goals, celebrating client's unique cultural traditions, and integrating relevant diversity and contextual factors into treatment. Clients who work with me describe me as compassionate, validating, and a great accountability partner. As a queer identifying clinician, I have extensive experience working with LGBTQIA+ individuals and have developed and led trainings in affirming care across the country. I also have specific expertise in gender issues, where I've helped clients unlearn unhelpful myths about gender and reimagine gender roles that no longer serve them. I strongly value a holistic approach to care which includes paying attention to often overlooked aspects of health such as sleep, chronic pain, and finding joyful ways of moving your body. I work from a health-at-every size perspective to help individuals learn to appreciate, love, and thrive in their own body.

Dr. Brandon Heimberg is a licensed clinical psychologist in California. He specializes in the clinical and forensic neuropsychological assessment of traumatic brain injury, medical conditions and psychiatric conditions. Aside from comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations, Dr. Heimberg provides evidence-based psychological treatment and cognitive rehabilitation services for individuals with attention, memory, other cognitive challenges, and other medical conditions. Dr. Heimberg earned his Master of Science degree in clinical psychology, followed by his Doctorate of Psychology at California Lutheran University. He received advanced training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) under a grant-funded DBT training collaboration between Dr. Jamie Bedics and the creator of DBT, Dr. Marsha Linehan. Dr. Heimberg further honed these skills in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in his externship at Ventura County Behavioral Health, treating and assessing complex psychiatric conditions and leading skills training groups using DBT principles. Dr. Heimberg completed an advanced clinical practica in neuropsychological assessment at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he saw both geriatric and neurooncology patients. Dr. Heimberg then completed a neuropsychology internship at the VA Illiana Healthcare System (APA-Accredited, Division 40), emphasizing outpatient and inpatient neuropsychological assessment and treatment of Vietnam-era Veterans. He returned to UCLA to complete a two-year clinical neuropsychology postdoctoral fellowship at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine within the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, performing neuropsychological evaluations and cognitive rehabilitation for post 9-11 era Veterans for UCLA Operation Mend, as well as complex medical and psychiatric, neuropsychological evaluations in the Medical Psychology Assessment Center (MPAC). Dr. Heimberg has been on various research teams at UCLA within the departments of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neuro-oncology, where he has co-authored papers featured in The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Oxford Press Society for NeuroOncology. Additionally, Dr. Heimberg co-authored the cognitive training manual for UCLA Operation Mend's Balanced Recovery And Integrated Neuroscience (BRAIN) and Substance Abuse intensive treatment programs.

Hi! I'm Alex Cedas, and I am a Latino therapist who is deeply passionate about helping people feel seen, supported, and understood. I specialize in working with individuals navigating major life changes—whether it's processing grief, healing from trauma, or building self-esteem and confidence. With a focus on improving communication, self-advocacy, and emotional awareness, I support my clients in developing practical tools to manage symptoms and create meaningful change. My approach is warm, affirming, and collaborative—providing a safe space to explore feelings of overwhelm, disconnection, or uncertainty about the future.

College is a time of growth, change, and sometimes a lot of pressure. If you’re feeling depressed, anxious, stuck, overwhelmed, or just not like yourself, therapy can help you create space to reflect, reset, and move forward with intention. We begin by building trust, so you can explore what’s coming up for you and build tools to feel more grounded and confident.