Therapists for college students near 90089

Picture this: a space where your thoughts and emotions are not just heard, but truly understood; where negative patterns unravel, where there is change and growth in your life, and where therapy is enjoyable and fun. I provide a safe, judgement-free, and easy going environment where you can feel free to be yourself. In treatment, we will work together to collaboratively set goals for change, learn how your self-talk impacts your feelings and behaviors, and learn practical skills to create change. I draw on a model of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), specifically TEAM-CBT. The tools I offer are concrete, step-by-step methods that help you challenge unhelpful thoughts, shift painful emotions, improve relationships, and build new habits. Together, we’ll practice strategies you can use both in and outside of sessions, so progress continues between appointments and beyond. I also have extensive experience working with the ASD population and the families and caregivers, recognizing how important it is to support the entire system, not just the individual. My background in conducting comprehensive assessments allows me to integrate different approaches and tailor therapy to your unique needs. My personal history in athletics has shaped who I am and given me firsthand insight into the pressures athletes face. I bring that perspective into my work by applying cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies that help athletes build resilience, manage stress, and improve performance. Additionally, I have experience working with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as well as with clients struggling with depression and anxiety. I’ve seen how these treatments, combined with the right therapeutic support, can lead to meaningful progress and long-lasting change. My goal is for you to feel more empowered with your life. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, life transition, or other concerns, I am here to support you on your new era of personal transformation. Interested in seeing if were a good match? Reach out for a free 15 minute consultation.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Dr. Sarah E. Jung is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. She received her Doctorate in Philosophy in Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Medicine (APA-accredited) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She completed her APA-accredited Internship and postdoctoral experience (Advanced Fellow for Women’s Health) at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and the San Diego Veterans Healthcare System. Her prior training experiences include the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), the San Francisco Veterans Healthcare System and the Baltimore Veterans Healthcare System.Dr. Jung specializes in psychoeducational assessments and evaluations for ADHD, Autism and psychological disorders. She is licensed in California, Florida, Maryland, New York, Virginia and Washington D.C. She is a trusted referral source for Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University, University of California, Berkeley and the University of Maryland.

I provide therapy that is compassionate, culturally responsive, and practical. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can explore challenges and build tools for resilience. I specialize in working with children, teens, and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, cultural identity, and major life transitions. My approach blends evidence-based practices with mindfulness and holistic strategies to support your well-being. As a bilingual Hmong psychologist, I am especially committed to offering care that respects cultural identity and lived experience. Evening and weekend appointments offered.

Advanced Psychiatry Associates (APA) is currently accepting new patients and referrals across Northern California, the Bay Area, Central Valley, and Southern California, with both in-person and telehealth (virtual) availability statewide. We are a psychiatry group with 32 clinic locations and over 70 providers, offering timely, student-centered behavioral health care. Most new patients can be scheduled within 3–7 days, helping reduce delays in care for students in need of support. We specialize in working with college and university students, including those experiencing: • Anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns • Bipolar disorder and mood disorders • ADHD and focus-related challenges • Trauma and adjustment issues • Medication access or continuity of care gaps Services include: • Comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and diagnosis • Medication management • Individual therapy (short-term and ongoing) • Spravato (Esketamine) and TMS for treatment-resistant depression • Telehealth and in-person visits for flexible scheduling We are experienced in coordinating care with university counseling centers, case managers, and student health services, ensuring smooth transitions and continuity of care. Insurance Accepted: We accept most major plans, including UC SHIP, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Aetna, Cigna, UHC, Medi-Cal managed care plans, and more.

I am a licensed psychotherapist dedicated to helping people increase communication and decrease unhelpful behavior patterns that limit self expression. My primary therapeutic orientations are psychodynamic, narrative, humanistic and mindfulness based modalities. My approach is reflective, insight-oriented, and practical, helping clients strengthen self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and confidence while leading in ways that feel authentic and grounded. I have a deep commitment to creating emotionally safe, collaborative therapeutic relationships. I am known for integrating evidence-based frameworks with mindfulness and somatic practices to support meaningful, sustainable change.

Early adulthood can be a confusing, tumultuous time. You may be forging an identity, dealing with instability in living situations, academics, career, or relationships, and perhaps caught up in the painful effects of complex trauma from childhood and adolescence. Financial and career stress in a confusing economy doesn't help. I resonate most with young adults struggling with family of origin issues, discrimination, and experiences of trauma and loss. These issues and experiences often lead to depression, anxiety, and worries about not being good enough or able to make healthy decisions. I am able to be present when you are hopeless and help you see the good within. My approach flexible and catered to your needs. What brings you to therapy is a focus, but I also acknowledge that the past informs the present. We may take that past on directly or keep it in mind as a minor theme. Insight combined with action are often the keys to change.

Dr. Padla was born in New Jersey and attended school there through college where he received his Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University. After this, he received a Master’s Degree at Virginia Tech before attending medical school at Rutger’s Medical School, Newark, New Jersey. He then did his psychiatric residency training at the prestigious Institute of Living in Hartford Connecticut. During his years of private practice he has specialized in general psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, pain management and obesity medicine. He has trained physician’s assistants while being an adjunct professor in Psychiatry at Western Michigan University. He retired in 2017 after being Chief of Psychiatry at Doctor’s Hospitals of Indiana. After a brief retirement of six months, he was lured out of retirement and became the psychiatrist at the Sacramento Native American Health Center where he currently still works. Dennis Padla, MD Experience (background and professional journey) Time with APA (how long you’ve been part of the team) Personal note (2–3 lines about yourself outside of work) Certificates & licenses (list of credentials) Specialization (your focus areas in psychiatry/mental health) Title (your professional title as you’d like it to appear) Experience- BS with Honors 1981 School of Environmental and Biological Sciences- part of Rutgers University MS 1983 Virginia Tech- Full Tuition Scholarship through Graduate Research Assistantship MD- 1988 Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Psychiatry Residency 1992- Institute of Living Center for Psychiatry 1992-2018- CEO and Medical Director Neuropsychiatric Hospitals- Psychiatrist in Chief 2013-2016 Sacramento Native American Health Center 2018-2023- Psychiatrist-in-Charge Advanced Psychiatry Associates 2018-present - Psychiatrist Behavioral Care Solutions 2012-present - Assistant Psychiatry Director Current Active Licenses California, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. Title: MD Psychiatrist- focus Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry General, Forensic, Psychiatry, Pain Management and Obesity Medicine

Dr. Gaines was born in Chicago, IL and attended school there through college where he received his Bachelor’s from Augustana College. After graduating from Wright State University School of Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dr. Gaines first began training as a General Surgeon in Detroit, MI. After realizing his true passion was in the field of Psychiatry, Dr. Gaines attended The University of Chicago, where he completed in residency training in adult psychiatry. Upon completion of his residency program, Dr. Gaines spent 8 years working in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) where he helped to establish and run the first inpatient hospital for the individuals in custody. Dr. Gaines continues to provide consultant work for the Federal Bureau of Prison (BOP) where he assists with BOP first jail-based restoration forensic program at Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) in Chicago, IL. Dr. Gaines is a Diplomate of American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology since being Board Certified in 2018. Education: BS in 2003 from Augustana College MD: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Psychiatry Training: The University of Chicago Medical Center Board Certification for American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology since 2018. Illinois Department of Corrections: 2018 – 2026 Federal Bureau of Prison (BOP): 2023- present Advance Psychiatry Associates: 2026 – current

Dr. Hayes attended college at Johns Hopkins University, and medical school at the University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine. He completed training in Adult psychiatry at George Washington University and the University of Maryland before relocating to California in the mid-1990s, for additional training in a fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry at UCLA. Dr. Hayes later received an MBA in 2002 at the University of California, Irvine where his classmates awarded him the Best Team Player award. In 2010, he became a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association at their annual meeting in New Orleans, La. Dr. Hayes is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology where he was certified in Adult Psychiatry in 1999, and re-certified in 2009 and 2019. He has previously held an academic position at UCLA as a Clinical Instructor. Dr. Hayes is a member of AAPL-The American Academy of Psychiatry & Law and The American Psychiatric Association-where he has presented at their annual meetings across the country and abroad. He has also been a frequent presenter at the annual Western Claims Conference in Palm Springs, California. He is a 4th generation Washingtonian (DC) but has lived in southern California since 1994. He is an advocate for the homeless and LGBTQ communities. His main hobby is travel, and he has visited over 40 countries on 6 continents. Experience- BS with Honors 1981 School of Environmental and Biological Sciences- part of Rutgers University MS 1983 Virginia Tech- Full Tuition Scholarship through Graduate Research Assistantship MD- 1988 Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Psychiatry Residency 1992- Institute of Living Center for Psychiatry 1992-2018- CEO and Medical Director Neuropsychiatric Hospitals- Psychiatrist in Chief 2013-2016 Sacramento Native American Health Center 2018-2023- Psychiatrist-in-Charge Advanced Psychiatry Associates 2018-present - Psychiatrist Behavioral Care Solutions 2012-present - Assistant Psychiatry Director Current Active Licenses California, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. Title: MD Psychiatrist- focus Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry General, and Forensic Psychiatry, Obesity Medicine and Pain Management

College life can be stressful, overwhelming, and emotionally exhausting at times. Myisha Parker provides supportive psychiatric care for students struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, burnout, mood changes, stress, and other mental health concerns. She offers psychiatric evaluations and medication management with a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental approach. Patients can typically be seen within 3–7 days through telehealth or in-person appointments across California. Advanced Psychiatry Associates accepts many insurance plans, including Anthem UC SHIP and multiple HMOs.

Kelli Gramlich, PMHNP, has been with APA since February 2025. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a deep interest in holistic health, she integrates traditional and alternative approaches into her treatment plans. She earned her Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree from Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts, and is currently pursuing an Integrative Psychiatry Certification through the Integrative Psychiatry Institute (IPI) to enhance her comprehensive care abilities. Originally from Kansas City, Kelli was inspired to enter mental health care by close friends and family struggling with mental health challenges. She believes mental health is closely connected to overall well-being, including quality sleep, exercise, sunlight, and nutrition, and is committed to helping her patients restructure habits to achieve optimal health. Her philosophy is simple: we all need a little help from time to time, and together, she works with patients to live their best, most balanced lives.

Hi, I’m Debbie, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, now welcoming new clients for telehealth visits. I offer a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space where we can work together to understand your needs and help you feel your best—all from the comfort of your home. During our sessions, I take time to explore areas such as mood, anxiety, sleep, focus, trauma, and substance use, so we can create a personalized plan that works for you. I provide brief psychotherapy using supportive therapy, CBT-informed techniques, and motivational interviewing.

I work especially well with ambitious women and students who are used to being the “high-functioning” one: the person others rely on, who keeps achieving even when they feel overwhelmed inside. I’m particularly passionate about supporting women in STEM, medicine, law, and other male-dominated fields, where the pressure to prove yourself can make it hard to slow down or ask for support. Over the past decade, I’ve helped clients navigate anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, and the feeling that they always need to do more. You might be dealing with overthinking, people-pleasing, self-criticism, or the sense that you’re falling behind despite everything you’ve accomplished. Students also come to me with relationship stress, family expectations, identity questions, and uncertainty about what comes next. I bring a feminist lens to therapy, which means we can look at both your personal patterns and the expectations placed on you. My style is warm, grounded, and collaborative, with enough challenge to help you make meaningful changes. Together, we’ll make space to understand what you need and build a life that supports your well-being alongside your ambition.

I work best with young adults and athletes who are used to putting a lot of pressure on themselves. You may struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, self-doubt, low confidence, or the feeling that no matter how much you accomplish, it never feels like enough. Many of my clients are balancing academic, athletic, career, or personal expectations while trying to figure out who they are and what they want for their future. Whether you're navigating performance pressure, relationship challenges, life transitions, or feeling stuck in patterns of overthinking, therapy can help you build a healthier relationship with yourself. My approach is warm, collaborative, and structured, helping you develop practical tools to manage stress, strengthen self-confidence, and feel more grounded in your daily life. I believe growth happens when we learn to be both compassionate and honest with ourselves. Together, we'll create a space where you can better understand your experiences, build resilience, and move toward the life you want with greater confidence and clarity.

I work with college students, athletes, and young adults who seem to be doing well on the outside but feel overwhelmed on the inside. You might be navigating anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, self-doubt, or the pressure to keep performing at a high level. As a former Division I athlete with experience in the corporate world, I understand how easy it is to push through stress and tie your worth to what you achieve. My clients often come in feeling stuck in overthinking, afraid of failure, or unsure how to slow down. We can also make space for relationship challenges, identity questions, and uncertainty about what comes next. I’m warm, active, and collaborative in sessions. Together, we’ll understand the patterns keeping you stuck and build skills you can use in daily life. My goal is for you to leave sessions with clear takeaways, greater confidence, and a stronger connection to what matters to you.

Courtney is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California who helps adults feel more like themselves again. She has worked across a wide range of settings, from supporting older adults living with serious mental illness to leading art based groups with younger clients, and she draws on all of it. Her style is integrative and rooted in person centered therapy, motivational interviewing, and harm reduction. She connects most with people carrying the weight of trauma. Much of her work uses somatic and mindfulness based tools that help clients reconnect mind and body and rebuild a sense of control over their lives. Courtney treats you as the expert on your own story and sees her role as walking beside you rather than handing over answers. Most people who reach out are looking for steadiness, a little creativity, and a path back to peace and purpose. Courtney sees clients through WellQor, which offers online therapy across California. To get started, fill out the Get Started form on the WellQor website. A member of the front office team will then text you with next steps and help you find a time to meet, so the first step stays simple and there is no pressure to have everything figured out before you reach out.

Hi! I'm Sara, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and New Mexico with 23 years of experience. I was drawn to this work by growing up on the Navajo Reservation, where I saw so many people struggling with their mental health and not enough resources to help them. I set out on a career path that would bring relief to my community and to every client I meet. I believe therapy can be a gift for both the client and the therapist. I truly enjoy this work, and I find a lot of meaning in hearing my clients' stories and being a witness to the positive change that can happen along the way. As you begin this journey, you'll have the chance to explore and build a stronger connection with yourself. We will work together to find answers to the problems you're facing and put what we learn into practice in ways that genuinely help. I won't claim to have all the answers, but I am very good at helping you find them. If you're feeling stressed, confused, or frustrated, come talk it out with me. I would love to get to know you. I work with WellQor, which provides online therapy in California and New Mexico. To get started, visit the WellQor website and fill out the Get Started form. A patient liaison will then text you with next steps and help schedule your first session. Looking forward to meeting you!

Young adulthood can feel like a collision of expectations, identity shifts, relationship changes, and questions about who you’re becoming. You may be navigating sexuality, faith, family roles, loneliness or the pressure to “get it right,” all while trying to build a life that feels authentic and grounded. Sometimes being a young adult feels like simple “survival.” When identities, transitions, pressures and confusion stack up, we feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward. Paralyzing, pressured, performance-focused. Relationships can strained or feel shallow. Loneliness becomes painful. Shame, confusion, or self doubt can creep in. You might feel caught between the person you’ve been and the person you’re trying to grow into — without a clear roadmap. I’m a therapist with over 10 years of experience supporting young adults through the complexities of identity, relationships, and major life transitions. My work is grounded in expertise in human sexuality, women’s and men’s issues, and a deep commitment to being both LGBTQIA+ affirming and religiously affirming. I sometimes use forgiveness as a therapeutic tool — not to excuse harm, but to help clients release what no longer serves them and reclaim their emotional freedom. I’m trained in a wide range of modern talk therapies, allowing me to tailor treatment to your needs. Whether your concerns are related to sex or sexuality, gender, roles, faith or religion, religious trauma, relationships and finding your grown-up people, loneliness and confusion, bonding, infertility and birth trauma, or navigating new relationships – I have the experience and expertise to be your guide. I am passionate about men’s issues, gender wellbeing and women’s issues, and am a LGBTQIA+ ally. My approach is warm, collaborative, and culturally responsive, creating a space where you can explore your story, strengthen or form your adult relationships, and step into the next chapter of your life with clarity and confidence.

Hello! My name is Karen and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I enjoy working with first and second gen college students who experience depression, anxiety, body image concerns, and who have a history of trauma. Maybe you feel a huge sense of responsibility for being the first in your family to go to college. Or maybe you are having a harder time adjusting to the educational and social demands of college than you thought you would. As a first gen college student myself, I've been there. I know firsthand that this is both a time of growth and complex emotions. Whether you're in your first year or just about to graduate, I want to help you process the complexities of college and feel more confident in yourself. I'm happy to talk for a short consultation and answer any questions you may have about therapy. For those with insurance, I am in network with Aetna, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Carelon, and Cigna. I also have a few sliding scale openings for those with financial hardship. Reach out to me to get started!