Therapists for college students near 02138

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Finding a good therapy match is crucial to bringing about the change that you desire in your life. Working with someone where you feel seen, understood and challenged in a non-threatening way creates the safety to explore the unknown and grow into your full potential. I have been in private practice for 16 years and I trained and worked at Tufts University Counseling Center for 4 years. In the wise words of author Sharon Salzberg, "If I opened my heart and mind big enough to take in the suffering, then there would be healing- not because the suffering itself is redemptive or healing, but because of the opening I was cultivating in the face of it."

Welcome! I work with students who are looking for support in navigating life transitions and the unique stressors of being a student. If you are experiencing existential anxiety, stress, motivation issues or creative blocks, challenging relationships with family, friends, or partners, and issues balancing workload and social life, you are so not alone. Together we will process experiences that may be impacting you, learn how to create and maintain boundaries, and figure out what it means to thrive during this time of your life. Searching for a therapist is a big step to take and finding a good fit can be challenging. I offer free consultation calls to see if it feels like a good fit. No matter where you are in your process, let's talk!

Hello! I offer in-person appointments at my office in Portland, Maine. I also provide video sessions to clients in Maine, Massachusetts, New York, and participating PSYPACT states. I have 14 years of experience working with undergraduate and graduate students in college counseling center and outpatient settings. I love working with this population! My integrative approach to psychotherapy utilizes evidence-based skills-focused therapies (such as CBT) combined with a strong Psychodynamic (insight-oriented) framework. Treatment interventions are thoughtfully chosen to fit the particular needs of each individual client. Clients who tend to be a great fit are seeking help for: anxiety, depressed mood, feeling "stuck", adjusting to college, relationship concerns, improving communication, navigating dating and marriage, coping with stress, job dissatisfaction, grief from loss, chronic illness, health goals, substance use concerns, sleep issues, EMDR for past/recent traumas. I welcome you to reach out to me to discuss if we might be a good therapist-client fit. I offer a free 15-minute telephone consultation to answer your questions and hear a bit about your personal therapy goals.

**Currently accepting new clients** Do you know what’s bothering you, but you don’t know how to fix it? Perhaps you’ve tried to make changes but nothing seems to work. Or you’re at the point where you’re questioning if your feelings are even valid (which, by the way, they are). Whether you’re experiencing depression, grief and loss, low self-esteem or going through big life changes, I can help you overcome whatever is getting in the way of your happiness and regain control. Most of my clients are resilient, self-aware working professionals and college/graduate students who need a little assistance navigating life’s challenges. If this sounds familiar, I can help. I practice client-centered therapy, which is a collaborative therapy that meets you where you’re at and incorporates your unique strengths, values and preferences. Every person is different, so I find that therapy is most effective when it is personalized to what you need, rather than a cookie cutter approach. And a dash of humor certainly doesn't hurt! I strive to create a safe, comfortable space for self-reflection and growth, and I enjoy working with folks from all walks of life, regardless of background and identity. If you are struggling with something, you don’t have to go through it alone. Message me to book a free consultation. I would love to hear from you!

If you feel burdened by anxiety, sadness, unsatisfying relationships or difficult life transitions, therapy can help you find more effective ways to cope and connect to others in a more meaningful way. I see therapy as a process in which we will work together to help you live a more fulfilling life. My approach involves helping you cultivate curiosity about yourself, to understand both the positive and painful experiences now and in your past, so that you can move toward your most authentic self. Ultimately, my wish is for you to feel more comfortable and at peace, and to live a life that feels meaningful to you. If therapy is to truly “work,” I believe it’s important to feel connected to your therapist. My style is warm, non-judgmental, flexible and creative, drawing on a blend of psychodynamic, relational and skills-based strategies. My aim is to work collaboratively with you to help you find new ways of relating to yourself and others. In our first few appointments, we will talk about what you are looking for and decide if it feels like a good fit for us to work together. I am particularly interested in helping you navigate life transitions, explore your identity, cope with loss, and build more successful, satisfying relationships.

I am a psychologist in private practice in Somerville, MA. I am also licensed the the State of Maine. I am currently working with clients both virtually and in my Davis Square office. Many of my clients come for therapy when they facing a challenging life circumstance or transition. Often they have noticed patterns in their relationships and other aspect of life that they would like to understand and change. In addition to addressing issues such as stress, anxiety and mood concerns, my clients are often interested in exploring underlying causes of symptoms so they can feel more satisfied in their lives and relationships. Please feel free to call or email me if you would like to discuss psychotherapy.

I have immediate availability in my schedule! I love to help my clients gain insight into their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, build new skills, and use that enhanced self-awareness and skill to make meaningful changes in their lives. I take a strengths-based and collaborative approach that draws from a range of therapeutic modalities and is responsive to your needs and desires. I aim to bring warmth, humor, and authenticity to the therapeutic relationship. I love to work with college students and am a former counselor for the non-profit Bottom Line, where I supported first generation college students through any and all challenges that arose on their journey towards graduation and career readiness. I also enjoy working with people who are anywhere on their journey towards becoming parents or who are searching for greater wellness as parents.

We grow in relationships when we feel seen, responded to, and appreciated. My goal is to build a therapeutic connection together that enables you to work on challenges you are facing while also empowering you to feel more connected to yourself and others. I provide a curious, caring, collaborative presence in the hopes that our sessions offer a space to take a breath, experience your feelings, and explore. My therapeutic approach is grounded in relational cultural therapy and psychodynamic therapy. I also incorporate narrative, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing in my work. I support clients experiencing mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, family and relationship issues, ADHD, grief, and identity exploration. I have experience working with college students, including first generation and international students, and educators. I welcome all clients including BIPOC, queer, trans, and gender-expansive individuals. I am a former educator and work from a strengths-based and trauma-informed perspective. I draw on attachment theory and systems theory to understand clients’ experiences in the full context of their lives, including how our identities, needs, and experiences are connected to our communities, cultures, and the broader forces that shape our well-being.

My approach to therapy is guided by the belief that healing and change occur in relation with others. I am committed to meeting people where they are, taking time to learn their unique needs and life experiences, and honoring their own self-knowledge. I strive to create a safe and contained space that fosters exploration and self-actualization. I draw from psychodynamic and relational therapies, while also integrating narrative therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). My style is warm, genuine, and collaborative, and I practice with a queer, feminist, and anti-oppressive lens. I work with adults of all ages to navigate a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, identity issues, life transitions, interpersonal struggles, grief, and loss. I specialize in working with complex and developmental trauma, relationships and attachment, and first-generation challenges and experiences. I have experience working in schools, colleges, and community mental health. My personal and professional experiences have informed my passion for working with individuals impacted by the carceral system. I also find joy in expanding and enriching the therapeutic experience through the use of music, theater, and other art forms.

Bret is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor working in the Harvard Square section of Cambridge, MA. Bret brings a history of working in diverse clinical settings to bear on the work he does with his clients. His range of experiences include in-patient psychiatric settings, partial hospitalization programs, college counseling centers, and the Massachusetts correctional system. He has worked with those seeking therapy for the first time, as well as folks who have experienced a lifetime of navigating the mental health system. Through each of those settings, one constant has remained in the work he has done, which is the conviction that healing only happens through the establishment of a meaningful and authentic therapeutic relationship. Bret’s eclectic history has enabled him to develop a rich and integrated approach to collaborating with the people he forms connections with in his work. In his private practice, Bret works with adults college-age and older. His abiding belief is that in his work he is not working with a diagnosis or a set of symptoms, but with a person with a unique set of complex challenges that have encouraged them to seek assistance from a caring professional. As such, he feels comfortable working with a broad spectrum of therapeutic concerns. However, given his work in corrections, Bret has developed a unique capacity to connect with those who may be skeptical of the therapeutic process or struggled to find success in other therapies. Additionally, Bret specializes in working with young men who have difficulty forming meaningful connections, finding effective ways to express their emotions, and managing impulsivity and aggression towards themself and others. Bret is currently available for in-person and online sessions

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.

Supportive Minds was founded by two clinicians passionate about providing community- and empowerment-oriented mental health services. We are a new specialty addictions/high-risk behaviors outpatient group practice that offers inclusive, harm-reduction-oriented addiction and mental health services. We service adult and adolescent populations that include traditionally vulnerable and underserved populations. We offer confidential and safe mental health services that are flexible and customized to our clients in the community, in our office space, or virtually on telehealth. We are trained in various evidence-based clinical models of care. We are a minority-owned business and proud to serve the people of Massachusetts. We at Supportive Minds, PLLC believe in creating entry points for access to high-quality mental health services, especially for vulnerable populations (BIPOC, LGBTQ, and women). We believe in providing evidence-based harm-reduction-oriented treatment and support for high-risk behaviors. We believe in our duty to care and see ourselves in the suffering of others so that we may collectively listen, understand, and when possible, offer support toward empowerment and change.

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.

Therapy is a healing tool that can bring us closer to understanding our cognitive and behavioral reactions to the world around us. Addressing issues in a safe, therapeutic relationship can help us to understand, change and adapt to new thoughts and behavior patterns, confront past issues with compassion and kindness toward ourselves and others. Please feel free to call or email me with any questions. I have over 20 years of experience helping people manage crises, navigate life transitions, and finding a deeper connection to themselves and those they care about. I provide individual and couples therapy to adults. My areas of specialty include concerns related to relationships, attachment, trauma/PTSD, dissociation, mood & anxiety disorders, self-esteem, eating issues, parenting and college counseling. I also work with clients who would like to use psychotherapy to improve their general quality of life. My clients describe me as genuine, active, flexible and attentive to their needs. I enjoy my work tremendously and consider it an honor to support and assist my clients via psychotherapy.

I work from a relational-cultural, psychodynamic lens rooted in trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and liberation-centered therapeutic work. Within a trusting relationship, we will adapt our work to your needs, which may involve use of techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), motivational interviewing, intersectional feminist therapy, narrative therapy, expressive arts therapy, and/or grief counseling. Mutuality is the essence of my work; in relationships between people, people and nature, and people and their socio-cultural-political landscape. Intentionally focused on de-pathologizing our human experiences, I work with adults navigating relational dynamics, anxiety/mood disorders, complex/interpersonal/institutional/systemic trauma, queer-trans and ethno-racial identity development, grief, transitions, immigration, body image, neurodivergence, chronic illness, and economic stressors, in context. I have worked extensively with survivors (aged 18-72) of gender-based violence in India and the US. Consensual resource-sharing, political education, therapeutic self-disclosure, seeking feedback, and reflecting on our interpersonal dynamics will be embedded within my therapeutic work, which will be adapted to your personal needs from one session to another.

My collaborative therapeutic approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), focusing on helping clients understand and shift their thought and behavior patterns. I integrate psychodynamic principles to explore how relationships shape sense of self, understanding of others, and present patterns. My work is guided by a multicultural humility lens, recognizing how culture and systems of power, privilege, and oppression influence mental health and meaning. I aim to create a flexible, individualized space where clients can pause, feel, and prioritize what matters most, grounded in respect, empathy, trust, and collaboration. I work with adults navigating mood/anxiety disorders, grief, identity development, relationships, college adjustment, and other life stressors. I also specialize in providing culturally-responsive care to BIPOC clients navigating acculturation- or discrimination-related stress. I work collaboratively to support clients through periods of heightened distress. My research focuses on suicidality, mood/anxiety disorders, and BIPOC resilience. I have trained in inpatient and residential programs, hospital outpatient care, and university counseling settings. I have experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills coaching. I am a Black American woman, first-generation student, and proud New Orleans native.

Starting therapy can feel like a nerve-wracking process. To ease this, I prioritize developing a genuine connection so that you can feel seen, heard, and valued in session. I believe that therapy is not a "one size fits all" practice. We all have different personalities, different histories, and different needs. My eclectic style as a therapist draws upon multiple therapeutic approaches and theories to better tailor treatment to you and your individuality. If you are interested in therapy centered on compassion, connection, humor, and authenticity- I am here to help!

About Me / Specialties I am a licensed psychologist specializing in treating adolescents and young adults with OCD, anxiety (including social anxiety, panic, phobias, and generalized anxiety), and related conditions such as body dysmorphic disorder, trichotillomania, tics, and excoriation disorder. I provide evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I see clients in-person in Cambridge, MA and virtually throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, Texas, Missouri, and Kansas. I also work with parents, offering coaching to help support their teen or young adult while reducing family accommodations. My goal is to create a compassionate, collaborative space where we take mental health seriously—but not ourselves too seriously. A little humor can go a long way in therapy! Treatment Approach I tailor treatment to each individual, often addressing co-occurring concerns like depression, eating issues, or trauma alongside anxiety or OCD. Using ERP, CBT, ACT, and DBT strategies, I help students manage symptoms, regulate emotions, and make meaningful, lasting changes—all in a supportive and approachable way. Training & Experience I earned my PhD from the University of Virginia, completed my clinical internship at Harvard Medical School/Cambridge Health Alliance, and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Center for OCD and Related Disorders at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, where I currently see therapy patients and conduct research on OCD spectrum disorders.

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.