About Alissa Young & Associates

Alissa Young, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California, dedicated to supporting teens, college students, and young adults under 35 as they navigate the challenges of adulting, academic pressures, identity development, and life transitions. She also offers Christian-informed counseling for those who want to integrate their faith into therapy.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Alissa graduated from Crenshaw Arts Tech Charter High School (CATCH) before becoming a first-generation college student at Loyola University New Orleans. During her time at Loyola, she held leadership roles in student organizations, including the Black Student Union, and helped develop "First In The Pack," a mentorship program for first-generation college students. She earned her Bachelor's in Sociology with a concentration in Social Justice and Inequalities in 2016.

Alissa went on to earn her Master's of Social Work at the University of Southern California, where she gained hands-on experience supporting youth and young adults. She interned at United Friends of the Children, helping foster youth with college access and mental health support, and worked as a College Advisor for i.am.CollegeTrack, supporting high school students in Boyle Heights with college access resources and guidance.

Through these experiences, Alissa discovered a common thread: many students who were eager to succeed also struggled with imposter syndrome, childhood trauma, and difficulty managing stress and expectations. This inspired her to create a space where college access, personal growth, and mental health support intersect—helping students not only reach academic goals but thrive in life beyond school.

Alissa's own journey navigating imposter syndrome and unprocessed childhood trauma fueled her passion for supporting teens and young adults. After completing her MSW, she accrued over 3,000 clinical hours working with children, teens, and young adults across Los Angeles, Pasadena, Compton, and Gardena.

Today, Alissa Young continues to focus on helping clients build resilience, manage anxiety, and develop practical skills for adulting—whether that's managing relationships, balancing academic and personal responsibilities, or exploring identity. She integrates culturally responsive, trauma-informed approaches with a collaborative and client-centered style, and for clients who wish to do so, she incorporates Christian values into therapy.

Her ultimate goal is to empower teens, college students, and young adults to navigate life's transitions with confidence, emotional awareness, and practical tools to succeed both academically and personally.