Therapists for college students near Cambridge, MA

Welcome! Working with young adults is a specialty of my practice. I have helped endless university students navigate the very specific issues that come up during this time. Together we will work on finding your confidence and balance. Whether something is coming up for you that is specific to the here and now like a stressful academic period or a complicated relationship dynamic or rather a long term pattern you'd like to work on, I can help.

I am a clinical social worker based in Brookline with accessibility from the C and D lines. I work with adult individuals and couples, with a particular emphasis on life events or transitions that disrupt our sense of who we are. Before going to school to become a therapist, I completed a doctorate in philosophy — a domain of inquiry that continues to inform my clinical work on many levels. My primary therapeutic worldview comes from narrative therapy, which views problems in life as supported by dominant stories about who we are or how we should be. These stories can cause distress when they fail to represent what is most important to us. Instead of seeing such stories as an indication of flaws in a person’s self or personality, I assume they have been introduced from the contexts that have shaped us. In addition to narrative therapy, I draw from Buddhist mind training practices, which cultivate the ability to hold difficult emotions with steadiness and kindness to ourselves. Finally, I am influenced by somatic approaches, which emphasize felt experience in the body as a source of information and an entry point to healing. I aspire to meet everyone I encounter in my work with respect, warmth, and curiosity. I often imagine myself walking alongside the people I work with, but following one step behind. My job is to look out with you at the landscape you see and help you identify places you might like to explore. Then we can visit those places and see how things look from there.

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 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.

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.

I am a clinical psychologist licensed in the state of Massachusetts. I received my master’s and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from William James College (formerly the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology). I have extensive experience working with college and university students at the undergraduate and graduate levels, who struggle with a wide variety of challenges and questions. I have worked as a staff clinician at the counseling centers of both Tufts and Brandeis universities, and completed my post-doctoral training at Roger Williams University. During my doctoral training, I completed Internships at New England Conservatory of Music and Rhode Island College. In addition, I trained on the psychiatric inpatient unit at Faulkner Hospital and worked with school children at a public middle school in Wayland, MA. I love working with people on a range of issues related to depression, anxiety, and substance use, in addition to examining questions of identity and relationships with others. My belief is that our difficulties in life often arise from complicated thoughts and feelings that may contradict one another and leave a person feeling confused and overwhelmed. My job as a psychotherapist is to work with individuals to sort through this mix, like a puzzle, in order to gain a greater understanding of the dynamics at play, both internally and externally. It is through this growth in self-understanding that one gains greater agency over how they can respond to the world around and within them. Prior to becoming a psychologist, I grew up outside of Boston and then moved to New York City to study and pursue a career in acting. I attended New York University and received a BFA in theater arts. I spent many years working as an actor, but eventually grew weary of some of the demands and experienced a crisis of sorts in regard to my professional and personal identity. Through a process of self-examination, assisted by my own experience in therapy, I found a new direction that enabled me to hold onto some of the aspects of theater that I liked, while gaining a sense of purpose and service to others that had been lacking for me. For these reasons, I love working with artists and creative types, in addition to those who find themselves at a crossroads or unsure of where to take their next step in life.

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.

Fit is essential to good therapy. When the fit is right, therapy can become a practice space for navigating the complexity of relationships in everyday life. I value an open and collaborative approach so that together we can understand the challenges you face; those that are both in and outside of your conscious awareness. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, questions of identity, work difficulties, relationship conflict, going through a life change, or dealing with family-related stress, I believe that together we can understand and address that which holds you back. The following clinicians work in my practice and are also listed with Thriving Campus: Joel Stanley, Mental Health Counselor, and Dr. Shirley Poyau. I specialize in the treatment of complex trauma, a condition resulting from early and repeated exposure to neglect and abuse on the part of caregivers. I strive to create a space with clients where safety, in the context of a therapeutic relationship, can be experienced in order to promote recovery. I bring an awareness of the body and its various forms of communication into treatment, while also listening for layered meanings contained in the spoken word. I integrate psychodynamic principles and body-based approaches into my work. Social justice, equity, and cultural issues also significantly guide my clinical approach.

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.

Do you ever feel stressed, burnt out, or disconnected? Are you feeling stuck or uncertain where to go next in your career or education? Have your experienced loss or traumatic events? Are you finding yourself feeling overwhelmed right now, and like you don't know where to start? I offer a warm, collaborative approach in sessions, where you can begin to explore these or other questions that are most on your mind. I bring in a creative, engaged approach to process past and present obstacles, and a supportive hand to guide you toward solutions. I believe that our bodies are wired for resilience. I use a combination of approaches, including Art Therapy, supportive therapy, CBT/DBT, and mind-body therapies, to meet you where you're at. Within a safe therapy space, and with trust of a therapeutic relationship that we'll build over time, you can begin to process, grow confidence in yourself, and heal. Taking the first step toward change or healing can be so intimidating, but you don't have to do this alone. Reach out to me here to learn more and start the conversation.

Our College Mental Health Programs provide young adults with educational opportunities to build collegiate resilience, academic and wellness tools, and social connections. Our work is steeped in the principles of psychiatric rehabilitation: personhood, hope, choice, and self- determination, and we believe in recovery from mental health and substance use conditions, and the power of peers, mentoring, collaboration, mutuality, and inclusive communities.

Hello! I am a pre-licensed mental health counselor who works with students navigating through life changes, identity exploration, relationships, and past/current trauma. My goal is to create a space that feels safe, supportive, and comfortable, where showing up as your full self is welcomed and encouraged! I bring a warm, down-to-earth approach that's centered in honesty and compassion, with a focus on helping you feel grounded and empowered. I believe therapy works best when it's a partnership, and together, we’ll explore your experiences with a focus on resilience and your inner strengths!

My practice is dedicated to helping people develop their capacities for self-awareness, in order to overcome difficulties in their lives and to find greater fulfillment in relationships, work, and creative pursuits. My approach focuses on helping individuals gain insight into ways of relating to themselves and to others that lie outside of conscious awareness. Speaking with a uniquely attentive listener in a consistent, confidential setting helps to bring these aspects of experience into conscious awareness. With time, this process facilitates significant and meaningful change. I work with adults, adolescents, and children with a wide range of difficulties. I have expertise in working with talented individuals who find themselves stuck in unsatisfying patterns, and I have particular experience and interest in issues around creative inhibition and expression. I have experience working in outpatient, hospital, residential, school, community mental health, and day program settings, and have completed advanced clinical training in psychodynamic psychotherapy at Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School.

Life is a journey and it presents us with struggles. Our minds are resilient and plastic, yet when we are blocked we may not appreciate this. I give my clients tools to help themselves adjust and adapt to their individual struggles, such as death of a love one, stress, relational breakups and a spectrum of traumas. I am a guide to help my clients resolve their temporary block.

I am a Harvard-trained physician who practiced Neurology for 25 years before completing a post-graduate psychotherapy fellowship to allow me to help others in a different way. This major life change informs my work as a psychotherapist. No matter where along our life’s path we find ourselves, and no matter how distressed, stuck or trapped we feel, we can always come to know ourselves more fully and to make changes in the service of a more satisfying, meaningful and fulfilling life. I practice a flexible style of psychotherapy tailored to each unique person or couple. Some prefer a shorter-term, more active therapy that focuses on making changes in the here and now. Others benefit from a longer-term, more self-directed exploration in a safe and supportive environment. Although my focus is on helping people meet their goals through therapy, I offer the option to prescribe adjunctive medication when needed. My aim is always to understand each person’s unique life experiences, beliefs, values and goals and to work with each person to promote enhanced self-understanding and freedom of choice in the service of a life that feels satisfying and meaningful. When working with a couple, my aim is to help the couple work through current relationship difficulties and, if both partners are invested in maintaining the relationship, to help them create a partnership where each feels safe, secure, valued and cared for.

Couples & Family therapy: in-person or video DialogicSpace.com

I believe that the client is the expert of their lived experience. I will partner with you to explore a variety of issues that may be holding you back from wellbeing and peace. This may include difficult beliefs, patterns and behaviors that you want to change, relationship issues, family issues academic stress, and anxiety. I am happy to have a free 15 minute consult to see if we could be a good fit. I am happy to meet for walks or sit outside on a bench in the Cambridgeport area for sessions!

With a warm, down-to-earth, supportive, and engaged style, I offer treatment for a wide range of issues such as: Depression Anxiety OCD Relationship difficulties Life transitions Grief and loss Academic and career concerns Creative blocks As an integrative therapist, my approach is customized to what works best for you. While I draw from a wide variety of treatment approaches, principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), humanistic therapy, and psychodynamic therapy will frequently inform the work we do together. We will always prioritize your needs over adherence to any specific treatment approach or theory.

I use psychotherapy and medications to help people with stress-related conditions. I am interested in not only alleviating symptoms but helping my clients understand the underlying causes that bring them into treatment. If we are able to connect in a way that you feel understood and I can see the world as if in your shoes, then progress has begun. As a prescriber, I try to consider all the concerns expressed by my clients and come up with a plan that feels safe and right. I provide a detailed assessment and really try to include my clients in the decision-making process. As a therapist, I try to create a safe place for my clients to explore their thoughts and express their feelings. I am interested in seeing and understanding the world and especially relationships from my client's point of view. As a relational therapist, I try to help my client communicate more effectively and participate more deeply in relationships. I am trained in psychodynamic and psychoanalytic therapies and work relationally with clients. I am also trained in mentalization-based (MBT), transference-focused (TFP), accelerated dynamic experiential psychotherapy (AEDP), and intensive short term dynamic psychotherapy (ISTP). Patients must be in therapy to be seen by me, either with an outside therapist or internally. Any new patient requests must use "scheduling@thoughtfulpsychiatry.com" for outreach.

**Currently accepting clients for Summer 2024 as of May 2024!** I work with students on all major non-emergent concerns, but I am particularly passionate about concerns around identity development. This is a broad area and includes working through gender or sexuality, what you want to "do" with your life in terms of career or relationships, how you might change patterns you see in your life to be more in alignment with the person you'd like to be, and more. I work with neurodivergent students to better set up their lives to meet their needs. Students might come in to discuss depression, anxiety, drug or alcohol use, or relationships with friends, family, or intimate partners. My goal is always to create a creative and safe environment for you to come closer to achieving what you have set out for yourself. My approach is collaborative and client-centered. I aim to be affirming of all races, sexes and genders, body sizes, religions, and more, with the understanding that I cannot be an expert in lived experiences that are not my own. I offer a free 15 minute consultation call to see if we are a good match for each other. Reach out and we can talk to see if we will be a good fit.