Therapists for college students near Boston, MA

You might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of where to start, but you're not alone. Whether you're new to therapy or trying again to find the right fit, I’m glad you're here. I work with students from all walks of life on concerns ranging from anxiety, OCD, and depression to trauma, stress, and relationship challenges. Clients regularly describe me as a warm, thoughtful ally who helps them achieve real change. With over 10 years of experience as a therapist, educator, and researcher, I take a personalized approach grounded in evidence-based treatments, such as CBT, ACT, and DBT (among others). This means your treatment is anchored by proven strategies but always guided by your unique needs, goals, and strengths. If you're ready to take the next step or simply want to see if we're a good fit, I'd be delighted to talk. Feel free to reach out for a free 15-minute consultation.

Do you "overthink"? Are you constantly criticizing yourself? Are you often fearing the worst-case scenario? Do you find it difficult to get through the day without worry, stress, or even panic? Do you feel like you're not good enough? Do you struggle with your emotions? Do you often feel overwhelmed? Do you have poor frustration tolerance? Are you having trouble with a life transition, such as a new job, or stress in your relationship? Do you sometimes feel like giving up? It’s often difficult to imagine things changing. However, change IS possible!

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.

With my background as a licensed mental health counselor, trauma therapist, Clinical EFT 1, and energy practitioner, I have specialized in helping students navigate through challenges and create a space for finding balance and resilience. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, or simply seeking clarity, my approach combines counseling techniques with holistic methods to provide a positive experience. My focus is empowering you with the tools that align with your journey – whether you're a first-year student adjusting to college life or a senior going through transitions. Let's work together to navigate the ups and downs of campus life, embrace changes, and develop well-being for a valuable college experience. I’m in network with several insurance companies and the list keeps expanding. Please reach out if you have any specific questions.

My approach to therapy is active, flexible, goal-oriented, and collaborative. Ultimately, my role is to help you gain the skills, insights, and self-compassion to be your own therapist. I meet clients where they are, help them to clarify their goals, identify what stands in their way, and work through (or with) these obstacles through the use of CBT, ACT and short-term psychodynamic approaches. I pay special attention to cultural and contextual factors that may be relevant to your concerns and treatment. In my work in university, refugee and veterans’ clinic settings, I've had the
 opportunity to engage with diverse populations and a wide array of presenting 
concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions and
 relational concerns. If you think we may be a good match, please get in touch to schedule a 15-minute consultation.

Do you find yourself stuck or pained in relationships - with yourself, others, the world, or your past? The struggle may show up as loneliness, emptiness, maladaptive interpersonal patterns, or as symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, disordered eating etc. I strive to create trust in a nonjudgmental and authentic atmosphere, from where we work together to understand and help resolve your struggles. My style in session is warm, collaborative, and actively engaged. I'm not a passive listener who nods along silently—I'm present with you, noticing what's happening in the room, gently drawing attention to patterns, emotions, and moments that matter, including the ones you might be inclined to gloss over. Sometimes our work is more experiential—slowing down to sit with what's emerging rather than rushing past it. Other times it's more practical and action-oriented—working on concrete strategies, trying new behaviors, or building skills you can use between sessions. I blend insight-oriented, cognitive-behavioral, and emotion-focused approaches in individualized ways that fit who you are and what you're working through. I bring extensive experience across college counseling centers and mental health clinics, having most recently served as a staff psychologist at Harvard University Health Services, and previously at Case Western Reserve University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Northwestern University (where I completed my postdoctoral fellowship). I am now in full-time private practice. I'm also the Chinese translator of Irvin Yalom's Existential Psychotherapy and The Gift of Therapy, and serve on the Expert Committee at Jiandanxinli (简单心理), the largest therapist platform in China.

I believe that at the heart of healing is compassionate curiosity, and I bring this approach to my practice. I believe that in therapy, a client should experience a balance of feeling challenged and actively engaged, while also feeling fully accepted and safe. I bring warmth, playfulness, genuineness, courage and openness into our sessions. I am experienced with guiding clients through recovering from traumas, anxiety, depression, addictions of any variety, navigating grief and life transitions, and relational challenges of all kinds. I have over a decade of therapeutic and clinical practice. I am Level 1 trained in IFS therapy, and also use aspects of psychoanalytical and motivational interviewing therapies. I want to hear about prior experiences you have had in therapy, both positive and negative, and what helps you feel that therapy is successful. You truly can become your own inner healer, and I'm here to show you how. No two therapist/client relationships are the same and we will tailor our therapeutic approach to meet your needs, regularly checking in and evolving as we go. I am opening to full-time practice in January 2026 and am beginning to take clients now!

I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner licensed to diagnose and treat mental illness. I especially enjoy working with college students struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD and ADHD. I prescribe medications, recommend natural treatments, and behavioral approaches for a patient-centered approach to help students achieve their goals for wellness and recovery. I graduated with a Masters of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Psychiatric Mental Health at Vanderbilt University. As an NP, I have experience working at a major academic center working with patients in both outpatient and inpatient settings.

Life can feel overwhelming - especially during big transitions like starting college, navigating relationships, becoming a parent, or figuring out who you really are. Anna is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience helping people move through these moments with more clarity, confidence, and self-compassion. Whether you're a college student feeling anxious, burnt out, or unsure about your relationships, or a new parent navigating identity shifts and career pressures - she offers a warm, supportive space to help you feel more grounded and empowered. Her approach is collaborative, down-to-earth, and focused on what actually works for you. She draws from evidence-based theories and, if you're open to it, incorporate mindfulness and creative visuals to help make sense of what you're going through.

Do you experience your thoughts and feelings as overwhelming or out of control? Do you feel dissatisfied or lonely in your relationships with others, or with yourself? Do you long for a life that feels worth living, but perhaps don't know where to start? I am so glad you're here. I specialize in supporting people who might see themselves in those descriptions or identify with experiences such as: Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, OCD, Panic Disorder, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, or Borderline Personality Disorder. I utilize therapeutic strategies informed by attachment theory, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, exposure and response prevention therapy, psychodynamic and internal-family systems models to provide a flexible, person-centered experience. The work of therapy cannot be successful without a bond of trust, respect, and collaboration between client and therapist. It is truly an honor to bare witness to the courage and vulnerability it takes to seek change in one's life. If you feel ready to take the next step towards change, I would be honored to have you in my practice.

Hello! My focus is on helping those who are experiencing anxiety, perfectionism, trauma, and PTSD because you deserve to experience joy, connection, ease, peace, and love in your life. Together, you can gain more clarity on how to work with difficult emotions, make peace with your past, and start to feel more confident in your ability to tackle current challenges and work towards goals for your future. I primarily use Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to help reduce negative symptoms and achieve positive shifts, often more deeply and quickly than traditional talk therapy. I hope to be of service to you and look forward to speaking with you!

Immediate openings: With Male AND Female clinicians: Clinicians with openings: Brett Gannon LCSW & Amanda Kelley LCSW Coach openings: Scott Stella - Private Pay only $150 Get The Right Fit. Tired of therapists asking, "And how do you feel about that?" We tailor our approach authentically to your needs. Real therapists who are real people. Period. Request an appointment today. With over 50 years of combined experience guiding our approach, we support individuals facing a wide range of challenges, including: • Addiction and substance use • Domestic violence and trauma • Interpersonal and relationship struggles • Childhood experiences that continue to affect adult life Too many clients come in bored, unheard, or let down. That’s not us. At Real Therapy, we’re honest, direct, and actually give a damn. It might get uncomfortable—but it won’t be boring. Our team is sharp, real, and listens like your time matters. Don’t settle. Try Real Therapy. Then decide if we’re your people.

When challenges in life become overwhelmingly difficult, it can sometimes feel impossible to overcome them alone. Whether it be anxiety, stress, problematic relationships, or a blurred sense of identity, I am here to help. My goal is to provide a safe and comfortable space that will allow you to discuss and work through your problems without judgment. My approach to therapy is to provide empathic understanding, authenticity, and acceptance to collaboratively address your concerns! I have experience working with a wide variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, acute stress, and relationships. I am passionate about providing empathic and compassionate care to all individuals and couples who need support in working through their problems. My care is trauma-informed and inclusive of all aspects of diversity and difference. It is completely okay to not feel okay. Reaching out for help may be the first step in getting the support needed to reach your goals!

"When I discover who I am, I'll be free."-Ralph Ellison. I believe that many of the challenges that inhibit us from achieving our goals are related to the difficulty in knowing ourselves and how we can maximize our strengths in order to meet the challenges we face. I believe that no matter what your presenting issue, awareness of our own goals, values, and strengths are critical. It is my goal to help clients cultivate self-awareness in order to achieve their therapeutic goals. I am a clinical social worker who specializes in working with college-age students and young adults. Using a collaborative approach, I work with clients to develop a shared understanding of the goals and preferred outcomes for therapy. I draw on many theories including cognitive-behavioral therapy, liberation health, feminist, and multicultural theories. In working with clients I strive to address the personal, institutional, and cultural factors that might be affecting a client's presentation. If you have any questions for me, or think we may be a good fit, please reach out today. I prefer initial contact to be through email, however if you do call, please be sure to leave a detailed voicemail.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I share in community and identity BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals, and those navigating trauma, sex/sex work/sexuality, grief, identity, and nontraditional relationships. I understand the layered and often systemic challenges we face, especially in intimate spaces like therapy. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where you can explore your identity, experiences, and relationships with yourself and the world without judgment. Together, we’ll navigate trauma, honor your complexity, and celebrate the richness of who you are. I am dedicated to providing a collaborative, empathetic, and understanding therapeutic environment. My practice is queer-affirming, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive, ensuring a holistic approach to mental health care. With lived experience in sex work and non-monogamy, I offer a unique perspective that deeply resonates with those in these communities. I’m dedicated to providing a collaborative, empathetic, and understanding therapeutic space. My practice is authentic, curious, affirming, holistic and collaborative. I draw from psychodynamic and attachment-based approaches, and I adapt flexibly to meet you where you are.

I am a licensed mental health counselor who is passionate about advocating for mental health and wellbeing. My experiences primarily focus on working with college students and young adults. As a non-binary person and first-gen immigrant, I bring a deep understanding of the complexities of identity exploration and the unique challenges faced by folks through the lens of intersectionality. With a commitment to creating a safe and affirming space, i work with clients to embrace their authentic selves and navigate life's transitions with confidence and resilience.

Welcome to Meridian Psychotherapy Associates, we support the unique needs of college students. We understand that the college experience can be an exciting yet challenging time, filled with academic pressures, personal growth, and various transitions. Our goal is to provide a specialized and nurturing environment where college students can find solace, understanding, and guidance as they navigate this critical phase of their lives. Our approach to individual therapy for college students is anchored in a deep understanding of the issues they commonly encounter. We address a wide range of concerns, including stress management, anxiety, depression, academic pressures, time management, relationship challenges, identity exploration, and more. Our trauma-informed therapists are skilled in helping college students cope with the complexities of their academic, social, and emotional worlds. For college students in committed relationships, we offer couple therapy to support them in fostering healthy communication, resolving conflicts, and strengthening their bonds. We recognize that maintaining a healthy relationship while attending college can be demanding, and our couple therapy sessions are tailored to address the unique challenges couples may face during this phase of life. We also offer adult family therapy, recognizing that family dynamics can play a significant role in a college student's well-being. Our family therapy sessions provide a safe space to explore and resolve familial conflicts, improve communication with parents and siblings, and foster a supportive environment for personal growth and development. To enhance accessibility and flexibility, we offer both in-office and telehealth services. We understand that college schedules can be demanding and unpredictable, so our telehealth option allows students to receive therapy conveniently from their dorms, apartments, or any private space. At Meridian Psychotherapy, we prioritize the mental health and well-being of college students. Our licensed therapists are not only skilled clinicians but also empathetic allies who genuinely care about the success and happiness of our student clients. We recognize the importance of providing a confidential and non-judgmental space for students to share their concerns and explore their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. Our commitment goes beyond therapy sessions, as we strive to empower college students with coping skills and resources they can carry forward throughout their academic journey and beyond. We work collaboratively with students, empowering them to overcome challenges, develop resilience, and build a strong foundation for their future. If you are a college student seeking support and growth during this transformative time, we encourage you to take the first step towards better mental health. Reach out to us for a consultation, and let us be a part of your journey towards personal and academic success. Together, we can navigate the college experience with strength, confidence, and resilience.

Kathy Clair-Hayes is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Jamaica Plain, MA specializing in grief and loss, life transitions, depression, and anxiety. Kathy particularly enjoys working with individuals navigating life transitions, such as beginning a new job, starting school, or becoming a parent. She also has extensive experience and training in supporting those dealing with illness, grief, and loss. Kathy has over two decades of experience as a medical social worker at Massachusetts General Hospital, where she worked with individuals who have cancer and their families. Her treatment approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Practices, and Supportive Therapy. Kathy works with young adults, adults, couples, and parents. She takes a warm and engaging approach, helping clients embrace their strengths and works towards a place of mental and physical well-being.

Our experiences in this world, often based on identities or trauma, can leave us feeling stressed and uncertain. It's confusing to have your worries get in the way of making the connections with people that you long for; or to be so convinced you will fail that it's hard to take the first step in doing the next thing you want to do; or to be suddenly totally overwhelmed in the middle of this exciting new experience you'd been waiting for. Sometimes people need some help slowing down, reconnecting with themselves, and finding new ways to respond so that they can move forward with hope, self-compassion, and empowerment. I have spent many years working in college mental health, helping students from all identities and backgrounds navigate the growth and challenge of the college experience. My approach is collaborative. Together we figure out what's getting in the way for you. I'll be with you in the hard moments, naming and exploring your thoughts, feelings, and experiences so that you can find ways to respond to them that are helpful. Increased connection with your body is key. Let's also celebrate the wins, big and small, along the way. Finding a therapist that is a good fit is so important—if you're not comfortable enough to tell your therapist what's really going on, therapy won't work. Let's find a time to connect to see if I would be a good fit for you in your next step.