Therapists for college students near Boston, MA

Approaching ourselves with curiosity and compassion is the best way to grow and heal. Therapy is an opportunity to examine the past, gain insight, explore identity, challenge unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, improve relationships, and manage transitions. A good therapeutic relationship is collaborative and affirming: based on trust, respect, and acceptance. I welcome clients of all backgrounds, experiences, and orientations. My background is in psychodynamic psychotherapy. My work is informed by an attachment lens, parts work, and polyvagal theory. I am an EMDR Certified clinician.

You keep wondering if you are repeating the same pattern again and again; it feels inevitable and totally out of your control and yet you can't stop blaming yourself. I commend you for holding on to hope, for reaching out. It requires courage and inner strength to look for someone who is trained to listen and help. I have training and experience helping those who struggle with depression, anxiety, memories of trauma, career and relationship difficulties.

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.

I am licensed and able to practice in both Massachusetts and Maine. I have immediate openings for in-person and telehealth sessions, and offer free 10-15 minute phone consultations to discuss your goals, areas of needs, and see if you feel we would be a good fit! I have experience working with ages ranging from adolescents to older adults, with my current focus being on early adulthood, college students, and those working in the arts. I have extensive experience working with individuals experiencing substance use and recovery, as well as depression, anxiety, trauma, identity exploration, and life transitions. I use a humanistic and client-centered approach to promote trust and comfort within my sessions. I utilize therapeutic modalities including DBT, CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Trauma Informed Care, and Harm Reduction. I encourage client feedback to assess what you are finding helpful within sessions, and tailor my approach to fit your needs. I believe in a collaborative approach between therapist and client, combining psychoeducation, skill building, empathy, and humor within my therapeutic framework. I am available to see new clients with BCBS, United Healthcare, Tufts, Harvard Pilgrim, Aetna or self-pay, and am happy to answer any questions you may have about starting therapy.

At times, life events can seem to control the way we feel, creating feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Other times, you may struggle with feeling unmotivated or purposeless without any specific cause. I believe psychotherapy empowers people by understanding specific struggles while actively developing skills to create change. A key part of our work will be identifying the things that matter to you and finding ways that therapy can bring you closer to a life that is more connected with your values. I have expertise in trauma and stress, substance use, grief, and motivational issues. I have extensive experience working with people from diverse backgrounds as well as treating military service members, veterans, and their loved ones. I thoroughly enjoy the collaborative process of determining what interventions will best fit your needs and look forward to understanding your treatment goals.

College comes with a lot of change: career decisions, perfectionism, major life transitions, and the pressure to have it all figured out. If you're dealing with stress, anxiety, self-doubt, or just trying to navigate this chapter of life, I'm here to help. I create a collaborative, judgment-free space where we can work together on the things that matter to you. Whether you're struggling with perfectionism, facing big life changes, exploring career paths, or dealing with that critical voice in your head, my approach focuses on building self-compassion and changing the internal dialogues that fuel anxiety and shame. With experience in college mental health, outpatient therapy, and career counseling in higher education, I understand the unique challenges college students face. I work with students on career development, managing academic and personal stressors, navigating life transitions, and developing healthier ways of relating to themselves. Let's connect and see if we're a good fit!

Integrative Psychological Services is a locally-owned, neighborhood therapy practice. Our practice is not run by a big tech company or corporation. We live in the community and aim to support the Boston-area by making sure our services meet the highest of standards. Our priority is you. The personalized services that we offer are integral to our boutique-style practice. We have intentionally created a comfortable office space so you can feel lighter from the moment you walk into the waiting room to the time you step out of the office. Our practice utilizes a private pay model, meaning that we are not in-network with any insurance companies. Because of this model, we can intentionally limit our caseload in order to focus on what matters most, you. ​ Our private pay model also allows us to protect your privacy. By not having to submit therapy notes and diagnoses to insurance companies, we ensure that your treatment is private and secure. Through adopting a boutique-style model, we are able to slow down, remain energized, and spend more time on your treatment goals. This is important as we practice what we preach and hold a deep respect for a balanced and healthy lifestyle. By keeping our practice small and intimate, you won't get lost in the shuffle. At Integrative Psychological Services, we bring the mental and physical energy to go the extra mile. Whether you are our first appointment of the day or last, you'll get 100%. You will consistently be treated with kindness and respect.

We're a small group of clinical psychologists who love working with college students, using evidence-based therapies and supportive relationships. We offer individual and group therapies, and intensive therapy or coaching for times when you may need extra help fast. We have a lot of experience helping students across a range of life issues, including the stress of college adjustment, family and relationship concerns, and a range of psychiatric diagnoses like anxiety, ADHD, mood, or behavioral problems. Some of our team are college faculty, and others are supervisors or students, so we understand what our college clients may need. We see clients live in our Boston MA and Bloomington IN offices, as well as virtually in several states, including FL, IN, and Washington DC. Feel free to reach out to see if we are a good fit for you!

Hello! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Massachusetts with extensive experience treating adults, children, and adolescents dealing with and healing from trauma, among other mental health and life difficulties. I have worked in various treatment settings, both clinical and educational, to assist clients and patients with social-emotional goals, and I bring this varied background and experience to my private practice. My practice serves young adults and adults (17+), and I specialize in the treatment of trauma, depression, and anxiety. I am accepting clients for in-person and telehealth sessions.

I have been a licensed clinical psychologist since 1993 and have extensive I experience treating undergraduate and graduate students from Boston area universities for anxiety, depression, relationship, and eating-disorder issues. My therapeutic approach is broadly psychodynamic (focusing on thoughts and emotions) but with an active, problem-solving style. I see my clients both in-person and virtually by telehealth.

Do you struggle with imposter syndrome, coping with traumatic events, difficulties developing a strong sense of self or managing relationships? Maybe you have been experiencing depression, anxiety or distress. Wherever you are in your journey, you are worthy of processing in a space where all aspects of you are met with acceptance, curiosity, and empowerment. As a queer, mixed-race, neurodivergent, & Latinx clinician I support individuals who are struggling to accept themselves, or may be learning to accept or better understand more about who they are. By fostering a warm and non-judgmental environment, I aim to empower you to explore your identities, spirituality, past experiences, and relationship dynamics. Together, we will navigate your unique life experiences, embrace your resilience, and foster healing and growth. If you are seeking a therapist who understands the complexities of intersecting identities while navigating various life challenges, I am here to support you on your journey. I believe in the power of storytelling, celebrating the strengths and inner wisdom within each person and their community. Please reach out to schedule a consultation appointment today.

I am a board certified psychiatrist who provides psychotherapy and medication management for children, adolescents and adults. In my clinical and academic work, I have specialized experience in areas related to race, gender, immigration, acculturative stress, and schools. My approach is grounded in working collaboratively with the individual, family, larger systems and social contexts to identify, understand and tailor treatment to best address problems. While addressing the biological, psychological, cultural and social factors that contribute to the areas of concern, I tend to identify and underscore one’s strengths and positive coping skills. I believe that the best outcomes are achieved through a highly collaborative, supportive and compassionate working relationship between patients and physician.

I work with adults of all ages, and particularly enjoy helping college students struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma and developmental issues that are prominent at this life stage. I provide a warm, collaborative environment within which I help my clients develop curiosity, self-compassion, and the courage to make important changes. I incorporate psychodynamic, relational, experiential/emotion-focused, cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based approaches in my interventions. I take an active approach to help my clients achieve their goals and resolve their problems. I see people in person in both my Wellesley Square and Coolidge Corner (Brookline) offices. I am also available for zoom sessions on a secure, end to end encrypted account.

College can be an exciting time of growth, but it also brings unique pressures and challenges. Whether you’re navigating relationships, academic stress, identity questions, family dynamics, or the impact of trauma or loss, therapy can be a place to reflect, process, and move forward. I provide psychotherapy with a focus on resilience—helping you build on your strengths while exploring the experiences and emotions that may be holding you back. I also prescribe medications when appropriate, integrating therapy and medication to support your overall well-being. My approach is collaborative, warm, and grounded in humanistic and relational values. I’ve worked extensively with students and young adults, and I understand how transitional this stage of life can be. Therapy can help you understand yourself more deeply, cope with emotional challenges, and create meaningful change in your personal, academic, and professional life. My office is conveniently located just a short walk from the Red Line at Central Square, and easily accessible by bus. If you’re curious about starting therapy or wondering whether medication might be helpful, I’d be happy to talk with you about the next steps.

Massachusetts Mind Center is a small boutique mental health practice in Back Bay offering a range of mental health and medical services: Medication management, individual outpatient therapy, group therapy, medical marijuana prescriptions, genetic testing, professional events, supervision, and more. We have capacity to see individuals immediately following intake & scheduling for both tele-health and from 1/30 on in-person sessions. We accept BCBS and other commercial insurances as well.

We are a group of licensed psychotherapists who provide high quality psychotherapy that seek to help people ultimately feel more in charge of their own lives. In our work, we value helping people feel more understood as they face challenges inside and outside of themselves while finding motivation to think and act in more expansive ways that invite more options for the life they want. Our approach endeavors to co-create safe spaces, with deep sensitivity to all the pieces that make up a person’s identity including culture, sexual orientation, race and religion.

I work with adults, adolescents, couples and families to help folks live full and meaningful lives. If you choose to work with me, I will assume you’re coming with problems in your life or your relationships that you’d like to work on. I will hold steadfast to the idea that people are not problems, problems are problems. And while therapy might not be the exact solution to what ails you, it can help a good bit. And I want to help. I’m in this work because I believe in the power of talk therapy to bring about positive changes to our lives. I’ve spent a good bit of time learning how to listen well, ask thoughtful questions, and empathize with my clients. I work with clients experiencing a wide range of issues like depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, and general stuckness. I’m confident enough to know that I can be a great fit to some folks and humble enough to know that I’ll be a terrible fit to others. And I’m pretty sure this blurb isn’t enough to determine which is which, but a free 15-20 minutes on the phone could get us close to knowing if therapy together is worthwhile. Let’s chat. I trained at the Brookline Center for Community Mental Health and the Boston College School of Social Work. I’ve done advanced training in narrative therapy through the Narrative Therapy Initiative.

I offer expertise in long-term individual therapy, meeting with most of my patients weekly or more. I enjoy working with difficult issues including depression, anxiety, and trauma. These issues often have many manifestations like panic, procrastination and avoidance, low energy, low confidence, eating and sleep disturbances to name only a few. I work hard to offer a space where we can listen very carefully to what is contributing to these problems. My belief is that our problems point to something more than disorder and dysfunction; they point to something that is profoundly unique in each of us. I look forward to hearing from you to talk about how I can help.

Emma Atwood is a licensed certified social worker whose therapeutic approach is grounded in the belief that strong client-therapist relationships are the foundation for meaningful change. Her approach integrates strategies from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic, relational-cultural, and trauma informed approaches. She has specialized training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) to provide therapy to treat trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Her approach strives to empower clients as active participants in their own healing journey. Emma works with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, attachment-related challenges, relationship issues, and identity exploration. She welcomes clients from all cultural backgrounds and strives to create a safe, affirming space for all aspects of identity, including gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and religion. Clients can expect a collaborative, culturally sensitive, and non-judgmental space where they feel safe to share openly. Emma strives to help clients better understand themselves, recognize their strengths, and develop tools to manage life’s challenges. Together, the client and Emma will explore how past experiences share current patterns, while building new skills for emotional regulation, healthier relationships, and self-compassion. People often ask how they can get rid of their anxiety. Emma says, “The short answer is that you don’t. Our anxiety is telling us something, and only when we learn how to sit with it long enough to listen, will we understand the function it serves and how to manage it. The best therapist for anxiety is one who will help you acquire coping strategies to reduce your anxiety (cognitive-behavioral approach) but also guide insight into the origins of your anxiety and the core beliefs maintaining it (psychodynamic approach). By exploring your anxiety at multiple levels and depths, you can learn to better recognize, understand, and manage your anxiety.” Emma offers in-person therapy in the Boston office, as well as online via a secure video platform for patients located throughout Massachusetts. She has appointments available in the daytime. You can become a patient by completing the New Client Profile form (https://leektherapy.com/form) or calling 508-296-5631.

As humans, we inherently seek meaningful connection and understanding. When our emotions, experiences, and struggles go unseen or unheard, we may feel distressed, isolated, and even question our sense of self. In my practice, I take an integrative, client-centered, trauma-informed, and evidence-based approach to therapy—one that honors the complexities of your lived experiences while affirming your individuality. Rooted in the principles of social justice, embodied social justice, anti-oppression, and queer affirmation, my work ensures that therapy is not just a space for healing but also one for empowerment. I believe that understanding ‘what’ has shaped your experiences offers insight into ‘why’ you might think, feel, and behave the way you do. This awareness allows us to collaboratively explore ‘how’ we can help you achieve your goals and foster meaningful growth – holistically. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." I am committed to providing a space where you feel truly seen, understood, and comfortable—one where you can explore, embrace, and reconnect with your most authentic self.