Therapists for college students near Boston, MA

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!

Do you have a place where you can be truly heard? Therapy can be that safe, accepting place and that's what I strive to create with you: somewhere for you to bring whatever it is that you're struggling with or the stuff that feels too heavy to bear alone. Maybe your challenges are preventing you from enjoying satisfaction and contentment. Perhaps you are in a period of transition and therapy could be a space to think through decisions so you can feel more confident about your choices. Or maybe you're struggling in a relationship to overcome old patterns that have limited you until now. The good news is that you don't have to face any of this alone. I have accompanied people through these and many other issues, and in therapy we'll identify what is holding you back and help you pick up new tools to tackle these challenges. I have experience working with people from diverse backgrounds, and specialize in working with the LGBTQIA+ community. Contact me today to find out whether we're a good fit to work together!

Over the past more than 10 years of practice in psychotherapy, I am always amazed by people’s resilience, their longing and efforts for something better. I feel privileged to be part of their journey. While I have worked in a variety of clinical settings, including 5 university counseling centers, I have deeply enjoyed working with college students and young adults during an important transitional period in their lives. I approach therapy from a strength-based, humanistic perspective which integrate Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), interpersonal process, Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Emotional focused Therapy and mindfulness. I was born and grew up in China. Living in two different cultures has its own challenges and rewards. I learned to appreciate the richness of human experiences and cultures, also practice therapy through a multicultural lens. I am bilingual, provide psychotherapy both in English and Mandarin.

I specialize in helping individuals with depression, life transitions, grief and loss, and trauma recovery. I also work with many clients experiencing anxiety and challenges with perfectionism. Additionally, I work with individuals struggling with relationship or intimacy challenges.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive training in, and experience providing, evidence-based treatment for adolescents, adults, and couples. I strive to create a warm, safe environment in which clients are encouraged to explore the connections between their internal experiences (thoughts, feelings, urges), external events, and behaviors. My approach is collaborative and aims to empower individuals to make mindful choices in service of their goals and values. I take an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approach, and I integrate other evidence-based treatments, such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I specialize in treating anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), perfectionism, and depression. I am grateful for the privilege of working so intimately with individuals and families. I look forward to meeting with you.

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with over 5 years of experience in inpatient and outpatient services. I received holistic training and earned my Clinical Mental Health Counseling Masters at Lesley University, Cambridge. I provide client-centered, individual therapy, a humanistic approach. Students and clients may be in need of support to address the following: decrease stress and anxiety, increase access to self-expression, learn self-regulation skills, improve sleep, learn boundary-setting skills, or address difficulties with functioning in any life domain. I work to facilitate self-exploration, integration, and healing of the emotions and the mind, which affect the body and energy levels. My practice is via telehealth.

I believe in using a strength-based approach in working with adolescents, and adults. I have experience working with individuals and families. I will work collaboratively with you to set goals to help achieve a better lifestyle and improve mental health symptoms. I have experience working with a variety of different presenting problems such as depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, women's issues, life transitions, family stressors, loss and grief. Treatment modalities I use are derived from a relational approach, in conjunction with cognitive behavioral, solution focused, strength based, and psychodynamic. The therapeutic relationship is very important to me therefor; I like to build a satisfactory relationship with you to help develop a safe and trusting environment.

I have been working as a therapist in private practice for over 20 years. My specialties include working with trauma, life transitions, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and body image struggles.

Each of us has the potential to connect with and live from a creative, energized and compassionate center. Once established, we can perpetually draw upon this connection to understand and accept our past, to guide our present, and to embrace our future. With warmth, commitment and respect, and with attention to body, mind, and spirit, I work to help people access the inner resources they need to live with happiness, safety and ease. As a therapist, I meet people where they are. I collaborate with them to create a treatment that is flexible and responsive to their needs and experience, and help guide them toward their stated goals.

Depth. Strategy. Lasting Change. I provide therapy and coaching for deep thinkers navigating executive function, overwhelm, or relational patterns that no longer serve them.

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.

Join me in a collaborative focus on your mental health, designed to build resilience, improve the quality of life, and increase self-acceptance. I work with adults and young adults in individual psychotherapy on a short or long-term basis. I have a background in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy. I treat a range of presenting concerns, including relationship stress, life transitions, depression, anxiety, and trauma. I have experience in college mental health, early intervention in mental illness, and family therapy. I have a special interest in issues of diversity and inclusion, and exploring an individual’s unique relationship to a variety of their own personal intersecting identities.

Using compassionate listening with active questioning I help you explore the areas you are struggling in and creatively find solutions. Borrowing from my work with clients over the years, and my own life experiences, I share anecodotes, humor and practical advice to help you find your authentic self and the contentment and happiness we all strive for. You will find me active, thoughtful, caring and engaging. I love my work and the opportunity to help others move forward in their lives.

I am a Harvard-trained psychiatrist providing psychotherapy and medication management for college students and young adults. I help individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, perfectionism, test anxiety, social anxiety, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. I have particular experience working with LGBTQ+ students and young adults, as well as those navigating identity development, college adjustment, academic stress, and uncertainty about the future. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by coursework, struggling socially, questioning your direction, or finding it difficult to meet the expectations you've set for yourself, treatment can provide a space to better understand what's getting in the way and develop a healthier path forward. My approach is collaborative, thoughtful, and individualized. I integrate psychodynamic psychotherapy with evidence-based medication management when appropriate, taking the time to understand your unique experiences, goals, and values rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. My goal is to help you not only reduce symptoms, but also develop greater self-understanding, confidence, and resilience.

Many of the clients we work with are navigating significant transitions in life—whether it’s stepping into adulthood, healing from past trauma, managing anxiety or OCD, or exploring their identity. They often feel overwhelmed, self-critical, or like they have to “do it all” perfectly. They want space to feel heard, understood, and supported without judgment. In our practice, clients value real connection, honesty, and a therapist who feels present and engaged. They’re not looking for someone with all the answers—they’re looking for someone who will walk alongside them, help them understand themselves better, and offer tools that work in real life. Our clinicians care about people's stories and want to support clients in self-development by showing up authentically, building strong relationships, and exploring various clinical approaches, such as EMDR, IFS, ACT, and more. We look forward to supporting you.

If you're navigating mental health challenges while trying to keep up with life, you're not alone. You might be exhausted from masking how you feel, wondering why it's so hard to focus, stay motivated, or feel truly connected to others. Maybe your mood feels unpredictable, or it's getting harder to show up for school, work, or relationships the way you want to. I work with people facing ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, psychosis, and substance use. These experiences can shape how you think, how you relate to others, and how you feel in your own body. Therapy offers a safe space to explore what's going on beneath the surface and figure out what helps. My approach is warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental. You don't have to have everything figured out. Whether you're overwhelmed by stress, feeling stuck in patterns that don't make sense, or just trying to get through the day, I'll meet you with curiosity and respect. Together, we can build understanding, practical tools, and a path forward that feels manageable and meaningful. Therapy works best as a collaborative process. Rather than telling you what to do, I'll work alongside you to explore your experiences, identify what's getting in the way, and find tools that actually fit your life. I move at a pace that feels right for you, honoring your strengths while making space for growth and change. I also provide psychiatric care and have worked in both inpatient psychiatry and outpatient addiction medicine. Motivational interviewing has been a key part of how I support people navigating substance use, especially when they feel ready for change. Helping people recover, in whatever form that takes, brings deep meaning to my work. Throughout my career, I've supported people from many walks of life, young adults, older adults, veterans, Native American communities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. I'm passionate about addressing the growing crisis of depression, anxiety, and isolation that affects so many people today. I am easygoing and conversational. I show up as a real person, not a distant expert. Connecting with people and supporting their recovery is a privilege that continues to shape my life in meaningful ways. You don't have to figure everything out on your own. When you're ready, support is here.

Navigating OCD, anxiety, relationships, and life transitions can be emotionally and physically draining. There is little more frustrating than thinking and behaving in the same ways despite knowing they contribute to these issues and other debilitating symptoms. Therapy is a place to safely explore the thoughts, behaviors, and relationships that are interfering with living a more fulfilling and rewarding life. I am a trained OCD specialist and an active member of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF). I have extensive experience working with college undergrad and graduate students from my time as a counselor at the University of Colorado, Boulder and at Bryant University. Working directly on a college campus has provided me with a unique understanding of the intersection between academics and mental health, as well as how to navigate many campus systems best. Currently, in my private practice, I work with college students from the many different colleges in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Colorado. The majority of clients that I work with are navigating Anxiety or OCD and Related Disorders. My clinical approach to therapy is grounded in ERP, ACT, and CBT. I believe therapy is built around compassion, respect, and trust. I look forward to connecting with you and exploring how we can collaboratively achieve your treatment goals. Send me an email, give me a call, or visit my website (www.smithlicsw.com) to set up an appointment. If you are struggling and are tired of trying to handle things alone, please do not hesitate to get in touch. * I provide telehealth services to clients in Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, Illinois, Vermont, and Colorado.*

OptiMindHealth (OMH) professionals are dedicated mental health specialists committed to providing skilled consultation and holistic treatment services for those struggling with ADHD, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, personality disorders, relationship conflicts, and work-related challenges. We offer both general counseling and specialty medication management services at our practice that are designed to address a variety of conditions and needs for our patients. OMH is dedicated to helping people live balanced, happy, and productive lives. Our comprehensive approach to mental health services recognizes the unique complexities of every individual, then employs a tailored array of the best therapies, strategies, and tools to efficiently and effectively restore healthy living. We are here to help you regain the balance and hope you need to be well, for life. Please take 5-minutes to complete our online appointment request form by following the link below: https://www.optimindhealth.com/appointments/

I am a psychotherapist and psychiatrist with decades of experience helping people overcome depression, anxiety, relationship issues and other life problems. I see patients weekly in my office for insight-oriented and cognitive behavioral therapy. Please contact me if you are interested in doing deep work to improve your life. Please be aware that the following are outside my practice area: ADD, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, acute suicidality, addiction problems, sexual trauma, and patients who have been psychiatrically hospitalized. I prescribe medication as needed for patients who are in therapy with me, but I don't do medication management alone. In general, I see women ages 20-40. I have many years' experience working with students. I graduated from Harvard College and Harvard Medical School, and I am Board Certified in Psychiatry and Neurology. Looking forward to hearing from you!