Therapists for college students near Boston, MA

Emma Atwood is a licensed certified social worker whose therapeutic approach is grounded in the belief that strong client-therapist relationships are the foundation for meaningful change. Her approach integrates strategies from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic, relational-cultural, and trauma informed approaches. She has specialized training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) to provide therapy to treat trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Her approach strives to empower clients as active participants in their own healing journey. Emma works with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, attachment-related challenges, relationship issues, and identity exploration. She welcomes clients from all cultural backgrounds and strives to create a safe, affirming space for all aspects of identity, including gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and religion. Clients can expect a collaborative, culturally sensitive, and non-judgmental space where they feel safe to share openly. Emma strives to help clients better understand themselves, recognize their strengths, and develop tools to manage life’s challenges. Together, the client and Emma will explore how past experiences share current patterns, while building new skills for emotional regulation, healthier relationships, and self-compassion. People often ask how they can get rid of their anxiety. Emma says, “The short answer is that you don’t. Our anxiety is telling us something, and only when we learn how to sit with it long enough to listen, will we understand the function it serves and how to manage it. The best therapist for anxiety is one who will help you acquire coping strategies to reduce your anxiety (cognitive-behavioral approach) but also guide insight into the origins of your anxiety and the core beliefs maintaining it (psychodynamic approach). By exploring your anxiety at multiple levels and depths, you can learn to better recognize, understand, and manage your anxiety.” Emma offers in-person therapy in the Boston office, as well as online via a secure video platform for patients located throughout Massachusetts. She has appointments available in the daytime. You can become a patient by completing the New Client Profile form (https://leektherapy.com/form) or calling 508-296-5631.

Dr. Bridget Nestor (she/her) is a supportive and encouraging psychologist who works collaboratively with her clients to identify goals and make steps toward change. She aims to meet clients where they are at, understand the nuance of their individual experiences, and build off their strengths to help them achieve their goals. Drawing on the tenets of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dr. Nestor takes an evidence-based, client-centered approach to therapy to foster coping skills and promote individual flourishing. Dr. Nestor provides individual therapy for older adolescents and young adults with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, executive dysfunction, social difficulties, stress, chronic pain, grief, and challenges related to life transitions. She is also trained in neuropsychological evaluations to assess attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and other executive functioning difficulties.

I received my bachelor’s degree with honors from Brown University and my master’s degree from Boston College. I acquired my clinical training at McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School’s largest psychiatric affiliate, on an inpatient unit in the division of Anxiety & Mood Disorders. I also trained at the OCD Institute, the nation’s first and foremost treatment center for obsessive-compulsive disorder. I specialize in treating OCD, anxiety, and self-doubt. I have a particular focus on “Pure O,” which are obsessions without visible compulsions. Often these include obsessional doubts about taboo topics such as sexuality, violence, morality, identity, and health. When my clients first come to see me, they are stuck in a swamp of anxiety and endless fears of “what if.” They are exhausted from trying to escape the discomfort of their thoughts and keep their emotions at bay. For so long, avoiding and withdrawing has seemed like the easiest path to take, but it has also meant missing out on parts of life. They wish things could be different—that they could get out of their heads, stop worrying, and be more fully connected to themselves and others—but facing fears and making changes feels so daunting. I am one of the few clinicians in the country trained by the creator of Inference-based Therapy (IBT or I-CBT), an evidence-based therapy for OCD that addresses self-doubt and learning to trust yourself instead of having to resort to researching, reassurance-seeking, ruminating, or avoiding. You can be free of the exhaustion that comes from all the obsessing and avoiding. In our work together, you will develop new ways of thinking, feeling, and being in relationships so that you are no longer at the mercy of self-doubt and intrusive thoughts. You will learn how to trust yourself and step into your strength so you can show up fully to your own life.

We all encounter difficult stressors, setbacks and experiences that sometimes cause us pain. We may be challenged by our relationships, previous trauma, difficult transitions, 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. Clinically, clients and I collaborate to reinforce adaptive behaviors, and understand your unique strengths so that you may live a meaningful and satisfying life. In therapy, we focus on both problem-solving difficult situations, as well as developing an understanding of long-term patterns that contribute to your distress.

Welcome! Working with a diverse population for many years widen my appreciation toward everyone I encounter in the therapy room. My new clients often ask me, “What is your approach or therapy model?” Learning from years valuable experience, I do not take a blueprint or “one-size-fits-all” approach for clients. Every client has an individualized curriculum. You may be feeling distressed, facing difficulties in your personal or professional relationships, contemplating a major life transition, or navigating a health crisis. No matter what challenge brings, I will help you in resolving conflicts and strengthening your relationships. I will explore your options in a collaborative way while taking into consideration the hopes, expectations, values, and preferences that are significant to you. Using clinical sophistication and expertise I incorporate humility, kindness, and passion to create a caring environment. My life experience encompasses living in the Eastern hemisphere and Western hemisphere; also working in East coast and West coast of the U.S. It enriches me to carefully examine things in different angles and not “boxing people in” with narrowly defined categories. I also provide supervision for all learning stages. I look forward to meeting you!

Hello and welcome! Do you regularly feel as if you are not enough? Do you have difficulty saying no or asking for help? Are you struggling to communicate your needs within your relationships? Are you experiencing feelings of anxiety and depression, stress, low self-esteem, or struggling with substance use? If you are seeking a safe and nonjudgmental space to work through some of life’s challenges, now is the time to begin your journey of self-understanding, healing, and growth. Operating from a feminist lens, I understand the unique influences of cultural and sociopolitical determinants of health. I am a licensed mental health counselor with years of experience working in various settings serving a diverse population of people. I have extensive experience working with adults experiencing challenges around anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship issues, self-esteem, and life transitions. I have special interest in women's mental health. From a warm and inviting therapeutic space where individuals feel supported and empowered, I assist individuals in identifying their strengths, learning the skills necessary for symptom management, and expanding their sense of self so that they may lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. My work explores outlets that resonate deeply with client values.

I am experienced in working with adults that are dealing with anxiety, low self-esteem, interpersonal relationship issues, and life transitional stress. I believe that everyone has the strength to dig deeper into their psyche and understand themselves better. I recognize how different environmental factors can induce feelings of loneliness, and I can help provide a space that feels open, non-judgmental, and safe for all kinds of expression. My approach to therapy is relational, collaborative, and goal-oriented. I integrate various behavioral and mindfulness based interventions in my practice, tailoring my style to best meet my clients’ needs. Through humor and introspective conversations, I believe in building a genuine connection that propels healing and growth. As an immigrant and a woman of color, I recognize that mental health stigma can limit asking for help. I ensure a culturally competent lens and hope we can work together on this journey of finding that inner strength and wisdom.

It can be hard to know when to call a therapist. Have you found yourself thinking the below thoughts? -There is something wrong with me -I don't understand the way I am feeling -No one understands me -This isn't supposed to be the way my college experience is -I just can't handle these feelings of sadness/stress/anxiety If so, it sounds like you could benefit from talking to a therapist. Life is hard and therapy can be an effective tool to help navigate life's difficulties. As your therapist, I will sit with you and listen as you share your struggles and we will make sense of things. Together, we can figure out how you are unintentionally "getting in your own way" and also recognize the ways you are helping yourself thrive (but perhaps hadn't even realized it!). I'll teach you about your emotions, the mind-body connection and the relationship between thoughts-feelings-behaviors. This information will help you learn new and better ways to help yourself when you are feeling overwhelmed with your emotions and life challenges. Sounds like this could be helpful? Send me an email, we can schedule a 15 min phone call where I can answer your questions and we can get started.

I believe that just like we train our bodies, we can strengthen our minds—and I’m here to support you in doing just that. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, identity exploration, or the stressors of daily life, therapy offers a space to feel grounded, supported, and seen. As a pre-licensed mental health counselor, I provide both individual and couples therapy for adolescents, teens, college students, and adults. My clinical experience spans college counseling centers, PHP/IOP programs, and private practice, giving me the opportunity to support people through a wide range of mental health challenges and life transitions. My therapeutic approach is compassion-focused, collaborative, and deeply human-first. I believe that while I bring training and clinical knowledge, you bring the wisdom of your lived experience—your values, your identities, and your goals. Together, we work toward meaningful change at a pace that feels right for you. I am trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Person-Centered Therapy. I often integrate these modalities to support clients struggling with anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma and PTSD, panic disorder, identity development (including sexuality, gender, culture, and personal interests), relationship concerns, and performance-related stress. With a background as a professional soccer player, I also have a special passion for working with athletes and performers, helping them build emotional resilience and navigate both mental health and performance pressures. Wherever you are in your process—whether you’re seeking healing, clarity, growth, or grounding—I’d be honored to walk alongside you.

You made it this far - that is a win! I have professional and clinical experience working with queer/LGBTQ+ folks, folks of color, high performing individuals/those navigating perfectionism and those navigating sexual challenges and healthy relationships, including non-monogamy, polyamory, sex with friends and infidelity. I have extensive professional and personal experiences with indigenous communities, specifically the Potawatomi and Dine/Navajo Nation peoples; And enjoy working with veterans and those active in the military. I specialize in Narrative, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Solutions-Oriented Therapies with Psychodynamic influences. I am a full-time clinician at MIT, on the walk-in/crisis team; I also see a number of ongoing long-term clients; and have led our First Generation Low-Income (FLI) and LGBTQ+ Undergraduate support groups. I welcome couples and families! As a gay man of color, I recognize the need to value and uphold identity within therapeutic spaces, and encourage all clients to see themselves in the cultural and political contexts in which they were raised and continue to navigate. Let's explore what the world has given you, and what you can give it next!

Elara Health specializes in supporting adolescents, college students, and young adults on their mental health journey. We provide compassionate, collaborate and evidence-based psychiatric services throughout Massachusetts and Nevada. We specialize in the treatment of ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, executive functioning challenges, behavioral disorders in youth, and anxiety disorders.

We are psychiatric nurse practitioners and we are dedicated to providing high quality prescription management. We understand the busy nature of life today, and have embraced the technological advances of remote, telehealth medicine to keep your psychiatric care comfortable, accessible, and discrete. Please reach out via our website @ www.clearmindedcare.com. Click "become a patient" and fill out the form. We look forward to hearing from you!

Accepting new patients.....It is through therapy that we come to understand how our experiences make our lives meaningful. Choosing a therapist isn't an easy task; I hope sharing my perspective helps. Over the last decade I have worked at universities, elementary schools, rehabilitation centers and group homes with children and adults from 7-70. These experiences have shown me that the right environment activates our innate capacity to mature and thrive. Therapy is not about "fixing" someone, it's about creating a space that supports growth. My approach embraces the power of personality to facilitate change. Through active listening, I acknowledge the impact of personal experiences and encourage exploration. Like exercising - regular, creative dialogue yields new strengths and abilities. In this way, individuals find their own solutions that are often more personalized than CBT. As you search for a therapist, consider me - I think you'll find me accessible, pragmatic, and insightful.

We live in a high-paced world, pulling us in all directions, leading us to feel burnt out and disconnected from other people. You might have become tired of the nagging stress, the strong emotions, the complexity of navigating relationships, or the feeling that something is holding you back from reaching your full potential. Despite all of this, a part of you wants to feel better and move forward. After all, that is why you are taking this major step of seeking help at this moment in your life. In my practice, I construct a safe therapeutic space where you can slow down and breathe. I believe there is no one-size-fits-all formula to address your unique history, personality, and concerns. Therefore, I take a holistic and integrative approach. I consider your difficulties, strengths, where you came from, where you are now, and where you want to be. By working together with clients, I help them cultivate emotional intelligence, deepen honest self-reflection, and increase their motivation to change. Most of my clients aim to reduce stress, improve human connection, and live more meaningful lives. If you are ready to start your journey towards wellness, email me to set up a free no-obligation brief consultation.

You might be struggling to understand why you fall into the same damaging patterns in your relationships. Or why, no matter how much you want to, you just can't seem to let yourself be vulnerable with the people you love most. Or maybe you're facing questions about your path in life and trying to fit into a predetermined mold. I believe we shouldn't have to force ourselves to blend into one aspect of our identities. We deserve to embrace all parts of ourselves and create our own unique balance from our cultural, gender, emotional identities and more. Attachment theory, trauma informed interventions, and a personal and therapeutic perspective of multicultural identities are some of the things that allow me to support you in better understanding yourself and get answers to your biggest questions about you. All with the goal of feeling most aligned with who you truly are. Life today can fill our heads with so many complexities that we sometimes lack the capacity to figure all this out on our own. The therapeutic space we create can be dedicated to the personal challenges that have had to take a backseat. Those parts of you deserve the time.

My ideal client is someone who is ready and motivated to dive in head first into their healing journey. Someone who knows they have their “stuff” but really wants to explore where it all stems from. I love working with those clients who just trying to figure it all out in this life (I see you, Millennials) and who are navigating the transitions and curveballs that can be thrown our way. I love meeting the client where they’re at to begin with, but don’t be surprised when I push you a little bit. I’ve been told that I have a really great way of understanding mental health, but I’m also known not to sugar coat the realities. I am trained in EMDR (A trauma processing modality using eye movements) and other trauma informed care models to explore the aspects of our past and handle the bigger emotions that could come along with that. Being real and relatable is very important to me in my sessions as the therapist/client connection is what will drive this boat. As your therapist, I can promise to provide you the tools to step outside of your own head and connect the dots that answer the question of “Why am I the way that I am”? Therapy is not always easy and we need to be honest with ourselves with what’s holding us back, but I can promise to provide positive vibes and great support every single time we meet.

Nice to meet you! My name is Jennifer. I'm a clinical psychologist in Boston, MA. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, and trauma. Please take a look at my website (jenniferhuggphd.com) for more info on the kinds of therapy I provide. If you have any questions, or would like to learn next steps to get started working together, please get in touch by sending an email! You can also call or text me at 515-218-8321

I believe that healing happens through connection, creativity, and self-expression—and I’m here to support you on that journey. As a Board-Certified Music Therapist and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), I use a mix of music therapy, expressive arts therapies, and talk therapy to help you navigate life’s challenges in a way that feels true to you. My approach is warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed, creating a space where you can feel seen, heard, and supported just as you are. I support clients dealing with a variety of concerns, such as anxiety and stress, depression, trauma and PTSD, emotional regulation, self-esteem and identity exploration, and life transitions. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just need a safe space to process your experiences, I’m here to help. Together, we can explore your emotions, build effective coping strategies, and help you reconnect with your creativity, confidence, and inner resilience.

Dr. Anya Potter is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist who helps patients understand their cognitive health through a collaborative, strengths-focused approach to testing. She tailors evidence-based strategies to support improved cognitive well-being.

I provide daytime virtual appointments and work with young adults who are struggling with anxiety and depression, and co-occurring, diagnoses. Most feel overwhelmed, stressed, or isolated. Many struggle with difficulties adjusting to college life. Some are navigating personal and familial expectations, some are far from home, are facing interpersonal challenges, financial concerns, or are caught up in the graduate grind. The pressures are mounting-even parking is stressful in Boston. There is a lot going on at the moment. You don’t have to navigate this alone. My goal is to welcome you to a warm, supportive space where you feel safe to be yourself and speak openly. Together, we’ll slow things down and take a look at what you’re going through. We'll build perspective, and identify manageable goals, and take steps towards meaningful changes that align with your values. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to you. I draw from evidence-based practices to help you manage emotions, handle challenges, and be more confident in your daily life. I'm accepting new clients and I offer a free brief consultation so we can get to know each other a little bit. I can be reached through email, or phone: (617) 214-1846, or on my website.