Therapists for college students near Boston College

Sara is an experienced practitioner offering individual therapy for adults and adolescents. She helps individuals understand how past experiences affect thinking and choices in the present. Her approach also offers skills to manage difficult emotions, increase flexibility and build balanced relationships so clients can move their lives in the direction they want. Treatment will prioritize the understanding that individual needs and experiences occur at the intersection of gendered, sexual, racial, class, ethnic, spiritual and ideological identities. The reality that every brain and body works differently is also centered in treatment.

At Advanced Therapy Center, we are committed to providing comprehensive mental health treatment in Massachusetts. Our dedicated team of experienced professionals is here to support you on your journey to mental wellness. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or any other mental health condition, we offer personalized care tailored to your unique needs.

My work focuses on increasing one’s awareness of—and investment in—all aspects of their wellness: emotional, mental, behavioral, physical, relational, and spiritual. Rather than working solely through the lens of specific pathologies or treatment modalities, I aim to evaluate how one’s personality, coping skills, learned behaviors, lifestyle choices, avoided experiences, self-concept, and relationships combine to either promote or impede overall wellness. As such, I provide an eclectic blend of therapy that is informed by third-wave cognitive and behavioral modalities, relational work, insight-oriented approaches, and a broad understanding of health and wellness. Philosophically and clinically, I am influenced by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), contemporary Western Buddhism, mindfulness, relational dynamics, Evolutionary Psychology, Existentialism, and Psychodynamics. I have received training from multiple sources in using ACT and ERP for the treatment of OCD and anxiety disorders, am a member of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), and hold a certificate in Mindfulness & Psychotherapy from the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy. I specialize in helping people whose anxiety manifests as obsessions, compulsions, rumination, phobias, intrusive thoughts, avoidance, or perfectionism. My approach is also effective for depression, chronic pain or other psychophysiological concerns; addictive or destructive behaviors; self-concept issues; and tough life transitions. In addition, I enjoy supporting those experiencing relational difficulties, romantic or sexual dissatisfaction, or working through men's issues. I work with many undergraduate and graduate students and am familiar with the lifestyle and unique challenges faced by these populations. I am also pleased to offer empathy and lived experience to those exploring the impacts of their Jewish ethnicity or upbringing. After receiving my undergraduate degree in Human Development from Binghamton University, I spent a few years as a high school educator, focusing on wellness education, sex and sexuality education, mindfulness education, harm reduction, and relational wellness. This path led me to a greater interest in mental health counseling and the decision to obtain a Master of Education in Counseling from Boston University, where I completed a clinical internship at The Groton School, an independent residential school in Massachusetts for grades 8-12. During this experience, I received supervision in the use of ACT and ERP to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, phobias, perfectionism, academic stress, adjustment challenges, and depression. After graduate school, I worked at Riverside Community Care’s Life Skills program in Somerville, a day treatment program for adolescents transitioning from psychiatric hospitalization back into their schools and communities. Following that, I became a counselor at Endicott College in Beverly, MA. These positions deepened my clinical experience across a wide range of presentations while strengthening my ability to work with individuals as members of larger relational networks—always focusing on access to resources, connections with peers and programming, and managing the demands of school, work, and life. Since January 2024, I have been working with Soultality and am pleased to offer my services to adolescents, young adults, and emerging adults in the community and across Massachusetts. In my free time, I am usually exercising (running, climbing, biking, jumping, crawling, lifting, etc), at the movie theater, cooking vegetarian feasts, dancing, cleaning and organizing my space, or spending time with friends.

At the heart of psychotherapy is accompaniment through one’s inner world. Current difficulties, past struggles, individual and familial traumas, hidden hopes and dreams – all of this will be central to making sense of your present and building toward your future. Starting psychotherapy can feel intimidating, but the benefits can be huge: deeper self-understanding, more meaningful and authentic relationships, reduced depression and anxiety, increased self-confidence. I have worked with a diverse swath of undergrad and graduate students in college counseling centers, and have studied and taught at private and public universities across the country. My specializations include relationship struggles, family conflict and crisis, identity development, career direction, academic concerns, gender and sexuality, trauma, spirituality, creativity, chronic illness, immigration, and LGBTQIA+ issues in teens and adults. I am committed to meeting you where you are at in the therapeutic process, and I welcome exploration of racial, sexual, and gender identities. I am a Harvard Medical School Psychiatry fellow trained in psychodynamic, relational, cognitive behavioral, and mindfulness-based therapies, but I believe a strong sense of connection is the most important element in seeking a therapist. I encourage you to reach out to a number of practitioners to find a good match. I look forward to hearing from you.

Life sometimes offers us unexpected challenges that require additional support to manage. Sometimes you think an issue is resolved until you notice unwanted thoughts, feelings or behaviors arising. I offer culturally sensitive person-centered, solution-focused therapy that focuses on assisting individuals better understand and work through these personal challenges and life transitions. In clinical practice, I draw from an array of past trainings, certifications, and over 15 years clinical experience to meet the specific needs of my clients. I have worked in multiple school settings and am attuned to the unique pressures of academic life, especially in college and higher education. Making the first outreach to initiate therapy can often be the hardest part. Please feel free to reach out to me via e-mail or to leave a voicemail requesting to set up a 15-20 minute consultation to discuss your needs, expectations, and what ways in which I may be able to support you.

Hello! My name is Heidi and I am a licensed psychologist. I have extensive experience helping young adults navigate a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, life transitions, identity development, relationship concerns, and family conflict. I am especially passionate about working with young women with ADHD. My therapeutic style is defined by supportive challenge — helping you step outside of your own perspective while ensuring you feel deeply cared for. I strive to create a warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental environment that fosters trust. Through a blend of humor, validation, and compassionate regard, I will help you make sense of difficult experiences and create a roadmap for meaningful change.

Welcome I'm Melissa and I'm so glad you landed here! I work with young adults who are feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges—whether it’s relationship struggles, a constant worry loop that you can't get out of, low mood, struggles with food and body image, or difficulty with change. If you're reading this, you might be feeling out of balance or disconnected from what’s meaningful to you. Maybe you’re not sure what’s meaningful right now. You could be stuck in old patterns that no longer serve you, unsure about your next steps, or just know something feels "off" without being able to explain why. Or maybe you just need a safe space to explore it all. Whatever you're experiencing, it’s all valid—and it’s all welcome here.

I actively engage with my clients to help them identify and articulate their distress. We work together to discover the counter-productive behaviors and thought patterns leading to this distress. We then work together again on challenging and changing those thoughts and actions. You can expect a therapy experience that is engaged, solution focused, and interactive.

I believe that full recovery from eating disorders is possible. I also believe that everyone deserves to have a relationship with food that feels truly joyful and nourishing. If you are struggling with an eating disorder, or if you feel stuck in a restrictive diet cycle and would like to heal your relationship with food, I am here to help.

Many people come to therapy when they find themselves stuck repeating old patterns in relationships, work/school, or how they treat themselves. I'm a clinical psychologist with over 17 years of experience in helping people understand themselves more deeply so that change becomes possible. I approach people with a warm, collaborative, and exploratory style. If you're wanting to make sense of what's holding you back and move toward a more authentic, connected life, I can help. I welcome people of all identities and practice gender-affirming care. I use a psychodynamic approach that focuses on thoughts, feelings, and reactions that come up in your life and in our sessions. These moments often connect to deeper issues that we can then explore. I add cognitive-behavioral tools when helpful. Reaching out for therapy can feel vulnerable, and it's important to find a therapist you feel comfortable with. In our first sessions I offer an open space in which you can speak freely and we can get to know each other. If you're unsure whether we're a good fit, I'm happy to talk over phone or email about what you're looking for. I specialize in: • Anxiety and mood disorders • Relationship and interpersonal difficulties • Identity development and LGBTQ+ concerns • Life transitions • Young adults/adults seeking ongoing psychotherapy

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You don’t have to be falling apart to deserve support. Maybe you’re functioning well on the outside, but internally you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, self-critical, or unsure of how to move forward. Many of my clients come to therapy in the midst of life transitions or relationship challenges, seeking relief from anxiety, depression, and (diagnosed or suspected) ADHD. I offer a space to slow down, feel understood, and become more curious about your experiences without judgment. We can work together to help you find relief and develop a deeper, more compassionate understanding of yourself.

Bernice Ruiz has over 18 years of dedicated service to children, youth, and families as an educator then mental health therapist. Her treatment approach is tailored to each clients' unique needs with a focus on depression, anxiety, relationship issues and school related-issues. She’s collaborated in delivering national suicide-prevention programming and has supported incarcerated mothers after release. As a first generation Haitian-American, she has a particular interest in supporting international students and other first/second-generation students address the stressors of navigating the education system.

If you've been feeling emotionally overwhelmed and it's affecting your sleep, work, or relationships, today is a good day to prioritize your well-being! I offer telehealth sessions throughout Massachusetts and Virginia, and in person walk-and-talk sessions in Charlottesville, VA. I specialize in helping young adults manage stress, anxiety, feelings of isolation, depression, or of not feeling good enough that can accompany being a college student in an academically rigorous environment. If your previous ways of dealing with challenges are not working, you find yourself drinking more than you used to, not sleeping well, or not feeling able to connect with your friends and family, this is a good time to get additional support. I take an active role in helping you sort out the best way to approach your challenges and teach you the foundations of mental health so you get back on track. Together we will explore the connection between how you live and how you feel, and identify the areas that feel out of balance. I take a comprehensive holistic approach to wellness because, for the people I work with, traditional talk therapy is often not enough. Our mental health is impacted by our environment, sleep, physical activity, what we eat, relationships, beliefs, thoughts, and behaviors–and I believe our mental health care should include these elements as components of the whole system. Evidence-based tools we may incorporate include meditation and somatic mind-body practices, techniques to work with thought patterns, interpersonal skills, and lifestyle interventions. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to discuss if we are a good fit to help you achieve your goals!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Students today face a lot of pressure—academically, socially, and emotionally. You may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, burned out, or struggling to stay focused and motivated. Sometimes past experiences or trauma can make everyday stress feel even harder to manage. I offer a supportive space to talk openly, understand what you’re going through, and learn practical tools to cope with stress, anxiety, and difficult emotions. Together, we can work toward helping you feel more balanced, confident, and supported.

I use an integrative, psychodynamically grounded approach with an interpersonal, decolonized, and social justice lens. My work is rooted in a passion for making healing and self-understanding more accessible, especially for multi-marginalized communities. I believe the therapeutic relationship is central to change and prioritize collaboration, dignity, and empowerment. In psychological assessment, I take a client-centered approach that honors testing as a tool for insight and expanding access to care. I work with adults navigating identity development, trauma/complex PTSD, mood/anxiety disorders, life transitions, college adjustment, relational and family concerns, personality disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and ADHD. As a neurodivergent clinician, I enjoy supporting neurodivergent clients through unmasking and embracing the authentic self. I have worked in a variety of settings, including outpatient, school-based, inpatient and forensic settings. My background in forensic psychology, multi-method assessment, and research challenging stigma of specific marginalized populations informs my clinical approach, which embraces and honors the complexity of each person's lived experience.

Whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity exploration, trauma, relationship challenges, or simply hoping to better understand yourself, I am here to help you reconnect with yourself and what matters most to you. I strive to create a warm and collaborative space where you feel seen and heard. I believe meaningful change happens when we feel safe enough to explore our struggles, recognize our strengths, and empower ourselves to make the changes we wish to see in our lives.

Welcome! I provide nutrition counseling from a relationship-based, trauma-informed, and Health At Every Size (HAES) lens. I specialize in working with college-aged students. Whether it’s tackling eating disorders, disordered eating, intuitive eating, chronic illness, or other nutrition challenges, I bring an inclusive and non-diet approach to help you find your balance.

When people come to treatment with problems, it is important to remember that they are trying to cope with them in the best way they can. With that in mind, I offer a reflective and engaging partnership with my clients, working toward the goal of helping them to be autonomous, authentic and compassionate in a world that can be extremely stressful. Although my work is solidly grounded in psychodynamic, cognitive/learning, and systems theories, my approach is client-centered, practical and strengths-based. I bring honesty, warmth, and humor to the therapy relationship. I am LGBTQ affirmative and invested in doing cross-cultural therapy which is culturally sensitive. I have a dog, Bracket, who works with me, and I have been doing AAT since 2002. There is a growing body of research which suggests that AAT (Animal-Assisted Therapy) can be helpful with a range of diagnoses, including Depression, PTSD, and Autistic Spectrum. Many therapists know little about online games such as World of Warcraft and Second Life. They may dismiss it as unimportant, or assume it is a problem. I am a gamer-affirmative therapist, meaning I’m more interested in understanding your in-world experience and activity than pathologizing it.