Therapists for college students near Cambridge, MA

Michel Selva, Psy.D. Is anxiety holding you back from pursuing your dreams and living a full life? Is depression pushing you deeper into your own "cocoon", isolated from family and friends? Do you often lose your temper? Are you struggling with substance abuse or compulsive behaviors (binge eating, gambling, video games, pornography)? I have successfully treated people with these problems. I take a collaborative approach to psychotherapy, checking in during each visit to make sure we are making progress toward your goals. In between visits, I use reading materials, experiential exercises, and a smart phone app to help you to stay on track. I use the tools of Behavior Therapy (ACT, ABA, CBT, REBT). Research has validated these methods for treatment of anxiety, mood disorders, and compulsive behaviors. My goal is to help you "Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life," which is the title of one of the workbooks I use with clients. As a long time practitioner of meditation, I have experienced its positive impact in my own life. I teach mindfulness practices individually and in groups. Mindfulness helps us to be fully aware and alive in the present moment, and to act effectively in pursuit of what is most important in our lives.

If you've been feeling emotionally overwhelmed and it's affecting your sleep, work, or relationships, today is a good day to prioritize your well-being! I offer telehealth sessions throughout Massachusetts and Virginia, and in person walk-and-talk sessions in Charlottesville, VA. I specialize in helping young adults manage stress, anxiety, feelings of isolation, depression, or of not feeling good enough that can accompany being a college student in an academically rigorous environment. If your previous ways of dealing with challenges are not working, you find yourself drinking more than you used to, not sleeping well, or not feeling able to connect with your friends and family, this is a good time to get additional support. I take an active role in helping you sort out the best way to approach your challenges and teach you the foundations of mental health so you get back on track. Together we will explore the connection between how you live and how you feel, and identify the areas that feel out of balance. I take a comprehensive holistic approach to wellness because, for the people I work with, traditional talk therapy is often not enough. Our mental health is impacted by our environment, sleep, physical activity, what we eat, relationships, beliefs, thoughts, and behaviors–and I believe our mental health care should include these elements as components of the whole system. Evidence-based tools we may incorporate include meditation and somatic mind-body practices, techniques to work with thought patterns, interpersonal skills, and lifestyle interventions. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to discuss if we are a good fit to help you achieve your goals!

My approach to psychotherapy is primarily relational and psychodynamic, guided by the concept that healing and change happen in relationship. I aim to create a containing environment where we can be compassionately curious about how your past experiences inform your present. My work incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Liberation Health Model, and mindfulness-based interventions to help meet clients’ unique and wide-ranging needs. I provide a supportive, affirming space for clients’ diverse intersecting identities and experiences (e.g., race, immigration status, gender, sexuality). I provide psychotherapy to adults of all ages and have experience helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, identity exploration, life transitions, grief and loss, shame, trauma, and relational stressors. I also have expertise supporting clients through the challenges of college, graduate school, postgraduate life, and emerging adulthood. Before arriving at CAS, I completed a postgraduate fellowship in psychodynamic psychotherapy at Cambridge Health Alliance. I also worked in university, medical, and community-based mental health services in academic counseling, peer education, and clinical research.

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!

I work with college students who are adjusting to the transition and stressors of academic life. I enjoy working with college students who need support around balancing academic and athletics. I also work with students who are dealing with family and relationship (friendship or romantic) conflict.

Marisa Anderson is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who has recently started work at Crooked Tree after many years of experience working with adolescents and adults in outpatient agencies within the Boston area. In her work with clients, Marisa incorporates both strength-based and cognitive behavioral therapies to help facilitate and support a better sense of self, healthy relationships, and stress management skills. Currently, Marisa also works as a school clinician at Beacon High School in Watertown. Marisa received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University.

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 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.

If you've spent years pushing yourself to "just try harder"/"finally get it together," yet you’re still feeling overwhelmed, chronically behind, and like it’s never enough — you’re in the right place. You’re familiar with the exhausting cycle of being a perfectionistic people-pleaser, caught in overthinking and self-criticism. Others see you as accomplished; you feel one misstep away from revealing how scattered things actually are. You’re not looking for a passive listener or generic advice. You want someone who will truly see and accept you, compassionately challenge you, and help you stop chasing approval and start finding peace. I'm a doctorally-trained, board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner offering medication management (in Eng/Mandarin) and psychotherapy (in Eng). I specialize in ADHD, insomnia, women's mental health, and Asian American/first-generation experiences. My approach integrates evidence-based medicine with a holistic focus on aligning mind, body, and purpose. If you're seeking someone who takes the time to see the full picture, treats you as a whole person rather than a checklist of symptoms, and has both the clinical expertise and lived experience to truly understand where you're coming from — I warmly welcome you to reach out and see if we'd be a good fit.

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.

Are you an anxious over thinker navigating relationships or a new career? Are you a people pleaser or highly self critical? I'm Aisling, a licensed therapist specializing in supporting women and adolescents dealing with anxiety, navigating life transitions, and healing from trauma. I hope to provide a space to explore all of those challenges with compassion, sensitivity, and sometimes humor. I view this work as the most important thing I could possibly be doing and I hope each client leaves this space feeling hopeful about themselves and the world around them. I work with adolescents and women to navigate a spectrum of anxiety disorders. In particular, I know how debilitating high functioning anxiety and perfectionism can be. I offer a place to explore the root of the anxiety, people pleasing behaviors, and develop healthy coping skills. I want to empower clients and help them see their own strengths.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

About my practice: I strive to offer clients with a warm and collaborative environment to help them cope with issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, academic/job-related stress, chronic health concerns (including navigating complex medical systems), and life transitions. I understand that people are doing the best they can, while simultaneously wanting to change. While I enjoy working with people from all backgrounds, many people who seek me out identify as people of color and/or have inter-racial or trans-national families. In addition, I frequently see clients with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. I help clients consider ways to draw upon existing strengths as they cope with various forms of marginalization. My approach: My style is collaborative, and I integrate multiple approaches, depending on a client's needs and preferences. I draw from psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and mindfulness-based therapies. I help clients consider their patterns of relating to themselves and others that are leaving them feeling stuck. In addition, I offer clients skills to shift their relationship with distressing thoughts and feelings, so they can better engage in their lives. Fees: About me: After earning a master's degree in Human Development at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, I completed my doctoral studies at University of Massachusetts Boston. My postdoctoral training at McLean Hospital, a Harvard-affiliated psychiatric hospital, focused on exposure therapy for anxiety disorders. Most of my work has been in school settings, including college counseling centers, because I love working with students. If you have questions, please feel free reach out!

Whatever it is that has brought you here, welcome! I work with folks facing a range of issues, with a specialty in trauma, anxiety, family conflict, LGBTQIA+ identity, and relationship issues. If you experience stress from caring for/about others and our environment, I am ready to support you. I am a climate-aware therapist, meaning I recognize climate grief and eco-anxiety as legitimate responses to a global crisis and important areas of attention in therapy to help you better navigate our changing world. In therapy, I attend to ways in which the ideas, actions and policies in our communities, cultures and families can be sources of both pain and resilience. I am committed to providing queer- and LGBTQIA+ affirming care, and I believe in the collaborative exploration of all intersections of identity that feel important to you. My experience informs my work. My career in international humanitarian aid and gender-based violence lends a unique perspective to trauma-informed care. Trained in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, I bring neuroscience and the mind-body connection into therapy. Our work will explore how the body holds past experiences and how it can help you heal. I also support people in therapeutically integrating psychedelic experiences. I look forward to getting started!

The students I work best with often share common experiences and needs. Many of them are facing the pressures of academic demands, juggling coursework, exams, and deadlines while also trying to balance personal responsibilities and relationships. They may be experiencing feelings of stress, anxiety, or overwhelm as they navigate transitions, uncertainties, and expectations. What sets my practice apart is my genuine commitment to creating a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and concerns without judgment. I understand that seeking help can feel daunting, so I strive to foster a warm and welcoming environment where you feel heard, valued, and understood. Whether you're struggling with academic stress, relationship issues, self-doubt, or anything in between, I'm here to support you every step of the way. Together, we'll work collaboratively to identify your goals, explore your strengths, and develop personalized strategies to help you thrive in all areas of your life. If you're ready to take the first step toward a happier, healthier you, I invite you to reach out. Let's embark on this journey of self-discovery and growth together. You don't have to face your challenges alone—I'm here to help you every step of the way.

College and graduate school can bring both exciting opportunities and overwhelming challenges. Whether you’re starting a new program and adjusting to multiple life transitions, navigating a new or ongoing ADHD diagnosis, managing stress, or working through relationship struggles, I aim to help provide a safe and supportive space to cultivate more clarity and resilience. As a therapist, I believe you are the expert of your own experience. My role is to collaborate with you, honoring your strengths while offering curiosity, compassion, and evidence-based tools. I provide a reflective space where you can explore challenges and gain insight, balanced with practical, solution-focused strategies you can use between sessions. My approach is strengths-based and growth-oriented—I aim to highlight what’s already working for you while supporting the changes you want to make. I know reaching out for therapy can feel like a lot, especially when you’re already juggling so much! I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to help see if we could be a good fit. You don’t have to figure this all out alone. I’d be honored to be a partner in your journey as you move toward a more balanced, intentional, and fulfilling future.

My aim as a therapist is to help clients resolve the problem they are experiencing in their lives. I offer a safe environment for clients to express themselves, gain a sense mastery and autonomy through talking and increasing strategies and skills to better cope and thrive in life. My clinical approach is to tailor care to clients’ individual needs- integrating an array of approaches and training experience such as insight-oriented methods, cognitive behavioral techniques, trauma informed treatment, mindfulness-based care, and addiction and substance use disorders treatment. My education includes a Master’s in social work (MSW) from Rutgers University( with Minor in Alcohol Studies) and a Bachelor of Liberal Arts (BA) from the University of New Hampshire( English Literature/Minor in Psychology.) My professional experience includes university counseling, NIAAA/NIDA research studies, community mental health, hospital based social work, clinical director of inpatient /outpatient program, employee assistance. Clients describe me as a good listener, empathetic, compassionate, a good sense of humor and a firm believer in change. Please note II do not take referrals from students who are currently enrolled at Harvard University as I am also working in CAMHS.

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 and Texas. 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.

Self Love Therapy LLC is a group of licensed mental health therapists and psychiatrists who will assist you on your journey to a better sense of self through psychoeducation on ways to cope with various mental health diagnoses, how to manage personal & professional struggles, & provide overall emotional support. We specialize in college students and have experience in helping students navigate all the different triumphs and challenges that college can bring. Finding love within yourself, for yourself, leads to a strong foundation that can support one’s growth and ability to cope with difficult life experiences. We aim to alleviate fear & apprehension about the therapeutic process through building genuine relationships with clients.

We go through life trying to figure out who we are and whether we can be accepted by family, co-workers, and friends. You learned strategies to show or hide certain parts of yourself to survive after experiencing hurt or rejection, pretending to be "okay" when others ask you how you are feeling to not burden them, but numb on the inside with anxiety or loneliness. Despite the desire to break out of the shell and be happy, life continues to be hard, especially when you look to others and seeing them being happy. And that is why you come to therapy: Because you want life to be meaningful and fulfilling! Therapy will not be simply talking, but a space where we will explore and mend parts of yourself that you love and parts that you avoid. The process may be challenging as I help you rediscover the things you have "swept under the rug" through questions and emotions, but also rewarding as you hopefully come to see yourself in a new light. I will provide a space for you to be you, whoever that may be so that you can look in the mirror and see yourself as deserving of love and happiness. Gamer? Great! Kinks? Awesome! Anime? That's my jam, too! If you are ready to take that courageous step again, please contact me for a 15-minute consultation on what you want in therapy and next steps.