Therapists for college students near Boston, MA

Psychotherapist Dr. Jean Rahbar has been working therapeutically with adolescents, adults and couples for the past 15 years. Providing a therapeutic space where clients' feel safe, experiencing the therapist as someone of whom can be trusted with the clients' thoughts, feelings and goals are of the utmost importance to Dr. Rahbar. From the moment you meet this highly analytical and insightful professional, clients experience her compassion, care, warmth, genuine interest, support and understanding. Dr. Rahbar's background is in Psychoanalysis. Additionally she tailors her therapeutic style based on the needs of the clientele she serves including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Systems Theory, Psychodynamic Therapy, Ego Psychology, Motivational Therapy, and Solution Focused Counseling. Dr. Rahbar holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University, Masters in Psychoanalysis, as well as a doctorate in Psychoanalysis and Culture from the Boston Graduate school of Psychoanalysis. She is also a former Division I rower, a mother of two and is a vinyasa flow yoga enthusiast. It is her pleasure to learn from each person she encounters.

I enjoy working with young adults who are looking to learn more about themselves and the behaviors they engage in. The world today can be very fast-paced, stressful, and overwhelming, and many people find themselves turning to substances as a way to cope. While this may provide relief initially, often it creates more long-term issues that affect mental/physical health, relationships, and overall quality of life. My work primarily involves supporting clients in clarifying their goals and values, and becoming more intentional about their habits in order to shape their lifestyle and identity in a way that feels authentic. I provide individual outpatient counseling and have experience working with adults of all ages, though find that I tend to work best with college students and young professionals. Substance use is the primary concern of clients I work with, and I take a holistic approach that incorporates my Masters-level training in mental health counseling. Recognizing the need for support and making the decision to reach out can be one of the most difficult parts of this process. I encourage you to get in touch, and we can discuss whether working together would be a good fit!

I graduated from UMass Medical school and was trained in adult psychiatry at Cambridge Health Alliance, a Harvard Medical School teaching hospital. Prior to going to medical school I received a Masters in Teaching from Boston University and worked as a teacher. This unique background affects my approach to psychiatry. I believe that a good psychiatrist should work with you to help you learn about yourself and your mental health. I am trained in a variety of therapeutic styles including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), psychodynamic therapy, supportive therapy, and Gottman style couples/relationship therapy. During my time at CHA I worked extensively with the Gender and Sexuality Clinic to serve patients of diverse sexual and gender identities. I also co-lead a group therapy for individuals in polyamorous and non-monogamous relationships. I have taught at the American Psychiatric Association’s specialized rotation for HIV Psychiatry, including lectures on how to provide effective telepsychiatry, and I have presented at a national meeting on teaching providers how to better work with patients to prescribe medications. I am a licensed physician in Massachusetts, New York, and California. I offer in person appointments in Somerville, MA as well as secure telehealth appointments to those residing in Massachusetts, New York, and California. In addition to medication management I offer individual and relationship/couples therapy.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am a practicing psychotherapist for the last 38 years. I have worked exhaustively with clients of all ages, especially 18 through adults in their senior years. My strengths of identifying the issue succinctly and creating, with the client, a plan of action. I generally do not see clients weekly, however if there is a crisis I will be available. My focus is based on Students who suffer from anxiety, depression, or ADHD. Career and relationship concerns. Please reach out and we can speak about your concerns.

We live in a stressful world where everyone is struggling. The current global crisis compiled with our personal life experiences have created a sense of overwhelm, burnout, isolation and disconnection. And our life journeys are full of crisis, loss, grief, and trauma. These experiences activate fear, alter patterns of behavior, create limitations in perception, relationship issues, low self-esteem, addictions, negative thought patterns and a multitude of mental and physical health symptoms. An accumulation of these unprocessed emotions and unresolved traumas can weaken the spirit, affecting one’s core vitality for life. Kellyann is nurturing by nature and creates a safe and compassionate environment where trust is easily built within the therapeutic relationship, so that healing can take place. Kellyann is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who employs a holistic and spiritual approach to healing. She works with her clients to dissolve layers of trauma, reprogram beliefs, connect to their emotions in healthy ways, and empowers people to achieve whatever it is they are seeking. She works with her clients to search for the stuck points and old wounds that may be getting in the way of finding the happiness they desire and deserve. Kellyann’s counseling sessions are built on a holistic model where she applies multiple approaches based on what a client wants and needs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used to support clients with managing their symptoms in healthy ways. Dialectical Behavior Therapy is used to assist clients with learning how to process the emotions they find intolerable. Psychoanalysis allows Kellyann to look for healing at the root cause. Internal Family Systems teaches an individual what they may need and identify ways to receive it. Mindfulness allows clients to accept their truth even when what have happened to them may have been extremely wrong and unfair and Trauma Processing allows for clients to create a healthy connection to their experiences through a narrative. Spirituality invites the opportunity to see a possibility for hope even one is nowhere in sight. Kellyann works with people who are struggling with a variety of mental health problems as well as clients seeking life skills and tools for coping in our stressful world. She offers a free 15-minute phone consult to in order to determine whether we are a good fit prior to scheduling the first session.

Center Psychotherapy is a group mental health practice located in Winchester and Arlington, Massachusetts that specializes in trauma treatment. We are committed to providing quality and expert mental health treatment using a humanist, client-centered approach to therapy. Our clinicians recognize that successful treatment varies with individual needs, strengths, and personal client preferences. We strive to work with you to develop treatment plans and therapeutic interventions that recognize strengths, not just symptom expression. Our therapists are trained in many modalities and will collaborate with you to find the best approach. Examples of our offered services include Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, EMDR, Somatic Resourcing, Art Therapy, Play Therapy, and Mindfulness. We work from a client-centered approach and offer the modality most suited to the individual, not the presenting symptoms.

I believe personal growth and healing can come from a strong therapeutic alliance. Change and recovery are possible. I promise to provide a trusting, open environment where you will feel seen, understood, and accepted as you are. My approach is genuine, creative, and curious. I strive to help you recognize beliefs that are holding you back, more effectively face struggles in your life, and learn skills to develop healthier relationships and a more meaningful life. In the end, the larger goal is to make you a better ally to yourself. Over the years, I’ve worked primarily with adults and adolescents with depression, anxiety, and trauma and have extensive experience working with identity issues and major life transitions. My clients have experienced challenges with their friendships and family relationships, gender and sexual identity, schooling and careers, parenting and caregiving, and illness and loss. I draw on diverse therapeutic approaches including mindfulness, family systems theory, Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and DBT. It takes great courage to face what Yeats described as the “dark corners” of one’s soul. I welcome the opportunity to meet you and support your exploration and self-discovery.

Neesi is an LCSW and a therapist. She works predominantly with adults and a few teens. Neesi is currently looking for clients who wish to primarily meet in-person, with occasional virtual meetings. Some of the typical concerns she works with folx on are romantic relationships, stress management, anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, spirituality, and communicating boundaries with one's parents. LGBTQ folx of all colors (white/BIPOC/etc) are welcome to request therapy, including those who are "questioning." Please mention any RELEVANT identities you have when messaging her. Thank you! Neesi’s approach is strengths-based, warm, and collaborative. She believes in meeting people where they are and listening to their story. She believes the client is the expert on themselves and therefore should play an active role in their goals and treatment. She is eager to collaborate with you about your goals with compassion and a little bit of humor.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I work with college-aged adults and adults experiencing depression, anxiety, interpersonal / family conflicts, stress, and others issues that can arise following trauma. My style is flexible, utilizing a relational, insight-oriented approach, and incorporating behavior modification strategies and mindfulness. I consider what will be most helpful and effective for the client. If my approach seems like it would be a good fit for you or, you’d like to learn more about my practice, please call or email me.

John Schatzel, LICSW - President/Clinical Director I approach all clients where they are and look to develop treatment goals around the concept of a life worth living. I have received my training from the Massachusetts Mental Health Center, a Harvard Medical School Training Facility, during the course of my clinical training. There I worked in conjunction with a multidisciplinary team to assess, collaborate, and treat clients needs. During my time spent at the Massachusetts Mental Health Center and, through other professional roles, I have been able to work with the following clinical populations: Major Mental Illness, Substance Abuse, Co-Occurring Disorders, Personality Disorders, Mood Disorders, Phobic Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Trauma, Eating Disorders, Problematic Sexual Behavior, and Disorders of Identity. As a result of my work with these populations I have received specialized training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which are change oriented, evidence based approaches which are highly effective in regards to the treatment of Trauma and the change of problematic behaviors. These modalities both teach and reinforce coping skills across various domains including: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Interpersonal Effectiveness, and Emotional Regulation. In addition to working with clients directly, I have been involved in research, publications, licensing, and program development. I was a granted researcher for the publication Desistance from Sexual Offending: Narratives of Retirement, Regulation and Recovery (Palgrave Studies in Risk, Crime and Society) in addition to being a chapter editor for All About Anxiety: An Introductory Guide to Neuroscience, Assessment, and Intervention.​​ ​ Ruolin Xie, LICSW - Individual Therapist Ruolin is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with a Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) from Washington University in St. Louis. With years of experience working with culturally diverse populations at both the individual outpatient level and through In-home Therapy, Ruolin has developed expertise in supporting individuals and families to restabilize and recover from various mental and behavioral difficulties. She is currently practicing with Schatzel Counseling Group, PC. These include disorders such as depression and anxiety, PTSD, Developmental Trauma/Complex PTSD, ADHD, Grief, LGBT-related challenges, interpersonal struggles, relationship conflicts, parenting hardship, and Culture Adjustment. Ruolin practices a client-centered, trauma-informed, and integrative clinical philosophy to meet the individual needs of her clients She is proficient in evidence-based clinical models of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Motivational Interviewing, Emotion-focused Therapy (EFT), and Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction. As a multi-lingual practitioner, Ruolin speaks fluent English, Mandarin Chinese, and Cantonese. Ashlee Ludwig, LICSW - Individual Therapist Hi, I’m Ashlee Ludwig, LICSW. I hold a Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and bring a wealth of experience working with diverse populations. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals, families, and groups through various challenges, from mental health issues to life transitions and trauma. My approach is deeply rooted in empathy and respect for each person’s unique story and background. I strive to create a safe, collaborative space where we can work together towards meaningful change. With a combination of evidence-based practices and a genuine understanding of cultural and personal differences, I’m dedicated to helping you find your path to well-being. Populations: Age: 18+ Dx: Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment, SUD, OCD Jacquelyn Heavey, LICSW - Individual Therapist I am a licensed individual clinical social worker and school adjustment counselor with experience in school, medical, residential and community agency settings. I believe in building positive, respectful client-therapist relationships and providing a safe, supportive environment for clients to explore their therapeutic needs and goals. My approach is nonjudgmental, collaborative and gentle. I have over ten years of experience in the human services field, a background in expressive arts, and utilize aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy and Play Therapy in my practice. I am passionate about social-emotional growth and embracing individuality. Some of my areas of interest include Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability, Prenatal and Postpartum health and social struggles. Jackie practices at our Topsfield, Ma location. ​ Davida Raftery, LICSW - Individual Therapist My name is Davida Raftery, I am a LICSW therapist. I graduated and received my MSW degree from Columbia University. I have over 20 years of experience working in direct care, treating but not limited to anxiety, depression, obsessive thinking (OCD), stress management, grief, trauma (including parentification trauma) PTSD, life transitions and relationship issues. I have experience in working in both outpatient and inpatient settings. My treatment approach is based on treating symptoms for individual needs. I do in person therapy in our Topsfield office, easily accessible to clients in the North Shore area. Charles Kim, LMHC - Individual Therapist Life is difficult. Unless you are an old soul, choices surrounding identity, self worth and acceptance, relationships/finding connection, and career choice are often painful and confusing. Even in the best of circumstances and family support, we are left with well meaning advice and our own limited self-understanding to guide choices that will affect the next season of life. I have over a decade of experience in residential and college counseling settings helping clients to explore their past to understand the motivations and traumas that led then to where they are and what if anything they want to change going forward. ​ Clinically, I work with clients seeking to treat their depression, anxiety, relationship/career issues, and other areas of distress. I use a client centered, humanist/existential style to explore current distress while integrating behavioral interventions (TF-CBT, DBT) and classic insight oriented exploration. I offer a safe space to look at oneself gently. I believe true spiritual/personal growth is demonstrated in learning how to treat ourselves the way we treat our friends and those we love. If you're looking for a space to grow that part of yourself or to begin treatment for a long ignored pain/injury, please reach out for a free 15 minute consultation. I wish you all the best. ​ Katie Duggan, MS - Individual Therapist As a dedicated mental health clinician with a focus on children and young adults, I am passionate about helping individuals navigate the intricate interplay between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. With a foundation in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) complemented by person-centered and psychoanalytic approaches, I strive to create a safe and supportive space where clients can feel heard and understood. My therapeutic philosophy centers on the belief that therapy should be a collaborative journey, where individuals feel empowered to explore their innermost thoughts and emotions in a non-judgmental environment. I view therapy as an invaluable outlet for self-exploration and growth, guiding clients towards healthier ways of coping and living authentically. I am committed to fostering a therapeutic relationship built on trust, empathy, and respect, as I firmly believe that every individual deserves to feel validated and supported on their path towards healing and self-discovery. ​​ Deanna Maher, LCSW - Individual Therapist Deanna earned her MSW from Bridgewater State University and undergraduate degree in psychology from Boston University. Having worked in a variety of settings including partial hospitalization programs, corrections, and crisis response, she has experience in supporting adults with a diverse range of needs including anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, and substance use. Deanna uses a trauma-informed approach with empathy and compassion to assist individuals in deepening understanding of their experiences and learning tools to enact change. Deanna uses a range of interventions best suited for each individual, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and solution-focused treatments to assist clients. Populations: Adults (anyone 18+) and especially enjoy working with young adults. In terms of presenting issues/diagnoses I am most interested in symptoms related to trauma or anxiety. I also have experience with mood disorders and substance use disorders as well. ​​​​​​ Catelin McCarriston, LCSW - Individual Therapist Catelin McCarriston is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She holds a B.S. in Psychology, B.A. in Philosophy, and a Masters in Social Work from Simmons University. As a school social worker in the Greater Boston area, she provided one-on-one counseling for students and conducted groups around mindfulness and stress reduction as well as intersectionality and belonging with LGBTQ+ youth. Catelin also worked with The Home for Little Wanderers as a child and family therapist. She is currently the Director of Programming and Training at Minding Your Mind, a mental health education and suicide prevention non-profit. Catelin uses a strength-based perspective and trauma-informed lens to meet clients where they are, utilizing models of CBT, DBT, IFS, and Narrative Therapy. She is passionate about working with LGBTQ+ folks and those struggling with identity, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Lexi Galuska, LCSW - Individual Therapist Lexi is a licensed certified social worker (LCSW) with a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Boston College. Experienced with youth, adolescent, and young adult populations, Lexi specializes in addressing a range of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, adjustment concerns, and relationship issues. She has experience treating co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders, honed through practice in intensive outpatient and residential treatment centers. Lexi is deeply committed to offering compassionate, person-centered care, ensuring each client receives tailored treatment aligned with their unique needs and circumstances. Utilizing evidence-based modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and solutions-focused approaches, Lexi empowers her clients to achieve meaningful change and build resilience in their lives. With her warmth, expertise, and unwavering dedication, she guides individuals on their journey towards healing and personal growth.

We all encounter difficult stressors, setbacks and experiences that sometimes cause us pain. We may be challenged by difficult transitions, our relationships, previous trauma, depression or anxiety. We can make the choice to work through these events and grow even when things are hard and confusing. My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe place for you to explore your struggles, and give you objective feedback and guidance to help you improve your life. Whether you'd like to improve your mood, strengthen relationships or need support coping with a difficult circumstance I can help. I work with young adults who have difficulty managing their emotions and who struggle with depression, anxiety, impulsive behavior, thoughts of suicide and self-harm, interpersonal problems, or problems functioning at work or school. I provide in-person and virtual evidence-based treatments including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help my clients change ineffective behavioral patterns, develop more helpful ways of thinking, and accept difficult realities in order to build the lives they want. I see therapy as a collaboration between client and therapist to work towards their goals in treatment and in life. Through my validating and nonjudgmental style, I am committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based treatment to help you reach your most desired goals and build a life worth living.

I am a licensed psychologist specializing in cognitive-behavioral therapy/exposure and response prevention for OCD and anxiety-related disorders and Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD. I am also experienced in treating commonly co-occurring conditions such as depression and skin-picking/hair-pulling. I am licensed in Massachusetts (PSY5000130), Connecticut (4467), and New Hampshire (7136), and Florida (TPPY2828; https://flhealthsource.gov/telehealth/). I completed my predoctoral internship (CBT Track) and postdoctoral fellowship at the Anxiety Disorders Center at the Institute of Living in Hartford, CT, a renowned site for the treatment of OCD and anxiety-related disorders.

I work with adults who primarily struggle with memory and concentration problems related to ADHD, depression/anxiety, traumatic brain injury etc. in my practice in Boston. I have a structured, problem-solving approach to treatment that focuses on organization and practical skills to manage symptoms. However, each person I work with is different and therefore each treatment plan is tailored to them and their needs. For ADHD in particular, a combination of medications and therapy is the most effective in treating ADHD. Your sessions with me: 1. During your first session, I just want to get to know you better. From this initial session, I can provide you feedback about what is the primary cause of some of your attention/memory difficulties that impact your day to day abilities. 2. One focus would be to implement structure, and routine. I can help provide this external structure by helping you utilize a planner to schedule ahead and manage time, make realistic and reasonable goals to maximize success, and organize aspects of your life. I will also teach you practical memory strategies and ways you can easily retain information. 3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which involves changing negative thinking patterns and behaviors is also found to be effective in treating ADHD. CBT helps “slow down” your thinking so you can reflect on what prevents you from making those deadlines, reduce impulsive behaviors, and learn problem solving skills that can make a difference in work, school, and or personal relationships. 4. Mindfulness exercises involve paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and physiological sensations so you can be present in the moment. With practice, you can train you brain to sustain attention.

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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.

I really enjoy helping students navigate through their college experiences at all stages of college - from adjusting to being away from home for the first time to making and maintaining healthy relationships, and to making difficult decisions about which paths to take when their college experience comes to an end. In my practice I am experienced in treating students who have significant mental health concerns as well as students who are simply looking for some objective support to work through some transitions and day to day challenges.