College Students

Figuring out adulthood is messy—but you don’t have to do it alone.

Common challenges during the college years

College and early adulthood are often described as a time of excitement and freedom, but in reality, it can feel overwhelming, uncertain, and isolating. The shift from structured school life to independence is a huge adjustment—managing responsibilities, making big decisions, and figuring out who you are without constant guidance. Some young adults thrive, while others struggle with anxiety, self-doubt, or feeling stuck.

Many college students find themselves stressed by academic pressure, social dynamics, and the challenge of balancing it all. Others turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, like partying or avoidance, when faced with stress. And for some, the transition to living away from home is harder than expected—leading to homesickness, loneliness, or a feeling of being unprepared. Therapy at this stage is about gaining clarity, confidence, and the skills to navigate life with more ease.

Common therapy goals

  • Managing stress, anxiety, and depression – Developing tools to handle academic pressure, social challenges, and the emotional ups and downs of young adulthood.

  • Building confidence in decision-making – Navigating independence, handling peer pressure, and making choices that align with personal values.

  • Strengthening family relationships – Improving communication with parents, managing expectations, and maintaining healthy boundaries.

  • Developing emotional regulation skills – Learning to cope with setbacks, frustration, and disappointment without shutting down or using unhealthy habits like excessive drinking, smoking, or avoidance.

  • Creating healthy social relationships – Setting boundaries, forming meaningful connections, and avoiding toxic friendships.

  • Navigating the college experience – Managing the stress of coursework, social life, and future planning while staying emotionally balanced.

  • Finding motivation and balance – Learning how to stay on top of responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed or burned out.

How I work with college students

I help young adults and college students make sense of this confusing stage of life—figuring out what they want, what’s holding them back, and how to move forward with more confidence. My approach is direct, collaborative, and practical. Sessions focus on real-life challenges, whether it’s navigating friendships, staying on top of responsibilities, or managing the stress of big decisions.

For some, this is the first time they’re truly in charge of their own life, and I help them build the skills and mindset to do so effectively. Therapy is a space to talk through fears, test out new strategies, and figure out how to handle setbacks. Whether it's tackling imposter syndrome, learning healthier ways to cope with stress, or making peace with uncertainty, my goal is to provide support that actually works in their day-to-day life.

How I help parents of college students

Parenting a college student or young adult is entirely different from raising a teen. You’re expected to step back, but how much? You want to help, but when does helping become enabling? Many parents feel stuck—worried about their child’s well-being yet unsure how to guide them without overstepping.

I help parents find the balance between offering support and fostering independence. This includes understanding when to step in, how to communicate in ways that actually get through, and how to encourage responsibility without pushing too hard. I also work with parents whose young adults may not be fully ready to leave home, helping them create a realistic plan for a gradual transition. When appropriate, I support families in repairing strained relationships, improving trust and communication so that the young adult still sees their parents as a source of support, not stress.

What it looks like if we work together

  1. Intake session – Meet with you to understand concerns, history, and goals. We decide together how involved (or not) your parents will be in your treatment. Their involvement can change over time as well.

  2. Review past evaluations – Incorporating any prior testing or reports into the treatment plan.

  3. Setting clear goals together – Identifying what success looks like and how to get there.

  4. Parent and family sessions (if applicable) – Helping parents shift from hands-on problem-solving to healthy support, building healthier supportive relationships.

  5. Reviewing goals regularly – Adjusting strategies based on progress and challenges.

  6. Support outside of sessions – Providing guidance on big transitions, like college decisions, moving out, or workplace struggles.

Send me a note

mercedes.oromendia.phd@gmail.com
(818) 860-2864