Therapists for college students near Northeastern University

Led by Dr. Shahrzad Sims, a double Board-certified psychiatrist who completed her training at Harvard Medical School, the multidisciplinary team of therapists and medication management clinicians at Aster Mental Health is a full-service provider of medication management and therapy to treat depression, anxiety, bipolar, paranoia, PTSD, phobia, postpartum, and schizophrenia. Our offices also provide interventional psychiatry options for treatment resistant depression through TMS and Spravato. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive procedure conducted under the supervision of trained medical staff. Patients sit comfortably in a TMS chair that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression. Spravato (Esketamine) is a nasal spray administered in an outpatient setting under the supervision of a medical care team. Appointment requests, including those for new patients, can be made through our website, astermentalhealth.com, or by calling (617) 299-2238. Telehealth and in-person treatment is offered to patients throughout Massachusetts. For those that want to seek in-person treatment, we are conveniently located at 325 Wood Rd, Ste 209, Braintree, MA 02184, and 8 Essex Center Dr, Ste 110, Peabody, MA 01960 Aster Mental Health accepts most commercial insurance plans from Blue Cross Blue Shield, Optum, UnitedHeathcare, Tufts, and Harvard Pilgrim and can also see patients out-of-network.

No matter what you struggle with – from anxiety, depression, or ADHD to personality disorders or psychosis – our integrated team of psychiatrists and therapists develop a personalized treatment plan based on your experiences, symptoms, and goals. We’re dedicated to providing the most effective care so you can feel better – fast.

John Schatzel, LICSW - President/Clinical Director I approach all clients where they are and look to develop treatment goals around the concept of a life worth living. I have received my training from the Massachusetts Mental Health Center, a Harvard Medical School Training Facility, during the course of my clinical training. There I worked in conjunction with a multidisciplinary team to assess, collaborate, and treat clients needs. During my time spent at the Massachusetts Mental Health Center and, through other professional roles, I have been able to work with the following clinical populations: Major Mental Illness, Substance Abuse, Co-Occurring Disorders, Personality Disorders, Mood Disorders, Phobic Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Trauma, Eating Disorders, Problematic Sexual Behavior, and Disorders of Identity. As a result of my work with these populations I have received specialized training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which are change oriented, evidence based approaches which are highly effective in regards to the treatment of Trauma and the change of problematic behaviors. These modalities both teach and reinforce coping skills across various domains including: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Interpersonal Effectiveness, and Emotional Regulation. In addition to working with clients directly, I have been involved in research, publications, licensing, and program development. I was a granted researcher for the publication Desistance from Sexual Offending: Narratives of Retirement, Regulation and Recovery (Palgrave Studies in Risk, Crime and Society) in addition to being a chapter editor for All About Anxiety: An Introductory Guide to Neuroscience, Assessment, and Intervention.​​ ​ Ruolin Xie, LICSW - Individual Therapist Ruolin is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with a Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) from Washington University in St. Louis. With years of experience working with culturally diverse populations at both the individual outpatient level and through In-home Therapy, Ruolin has developed expertise in supporting individuals and families to restabilize and recover from various mental and behavioral difficulties. She is currently practicing with Schatzel Counseling Group, PC. These include disorders such as depression and anxiety, PTSD, Developmental Trauma/Complex PTSD, ADHD, Grief, LGBT-related challenges, interpersonal struggles, relationship conflicts, parenting hardship, and Culture Adjustment. Ruolin practices a client-centered, trauma-informed, and integrative clinical philosophy to meet the individual needs of her clients She is proficient in evidence-based clinical models of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Motivational Interviewing, Emotion-focused Therapy (EFT), and Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction. As a multi-lingual practitioner, Ruolin speaks fluent English, Mandarin Chinese, and Cantonese. Ashlee Ludwig, LICSW - Individual Therapist Hi, I’m Ashlee Ludwig, LICSW. I hold a Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and bring a wealth of experience working with diverse populations. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals, families, and groups through various challenges, from mental health issues to life transitions and trauma. My approach is deeply rooted in empathy and respect for each person’s unique story and background. I strive to create a safe, collaborative space where we can work together towards meaningful change. With a combination of evidence-based practices and a genuine understanding of cultural and personal differences, I’m dedicated to helping you find your path to well-being. Populations: Age: 18+ Dx: Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment, SUD, OCD Jacquelyn Heavey, LICSW - Individual Therapist I am a licensed individual clinical social worker and school adjustment counselor with experience in school, medical, residential and community agency settings. I believe in building positive, respectful client-therapist relationships and providing a safe, supportive environment for clients to explore their therapeutic needs and goals. My approach is nonjudgmental, collaborative and gentle. I have over ten years of experience in the human services field, a background in expressive arts, and utilize aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy and Play Therapy in my practice. I am passionate about social-emotional growth and embracing individuality. Some of my areas of interest include Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability, Prenatal and Postpartum health and social struggles. Jackie practices at our Topsfield, Ma location. ​ Davida Raftery, LICSW - Individual Therapist My name is Davida Raftery, I am a LICSW therapist. I graduated and received my MSW degree from Columbia University. I have over 20 years of experience working in direct care, treating but not limited to anxiety, depression, obsessive thinking (OCD), stress management, grief, trauma (including parentification trauma) PTSD, life transitions and relationship issues. I have experience in working in both outpatient and inpatient settings. My treatment approach is based on treating symptoms for individual needs. I do in person therapy in our Topsfield office, easily accessible to clients in the North Shore area. Charles Kim, LMHC - Individual Therapist Life is difficult. Unless you are an old soul, choices surrounding identity, self worth and acceptance, relationships/finding connection, and career choice are often painful and confusing. Even in the best of circumstances and family support, we are left with well meaning advice and our own limited self-understanding to guide choices that will affect the next season of life. I have over a decade of experience in residential and college counseling settings helping clients to explore their past to understand the motivations and traumas that led then to where they are and what if anything they want to change going forward. ​ Clinically, I work with clients seeking to treat their depression, anxiety, relationship/career issues, and other areas of distress. I use a client centered, humanist/existential style to explore current distress while integrating behavioral interventions (TF-CBT, DBT) and classic insight oriented exploration. I offer a safe space to look at oneself gently. I believe true spiritual/personal growth is demonstrated in learning how to treat ourselves the way we treat our friends and those we love. If you're looking for a space to grow that part of yourself or to begin treatment for a long ignored pain/injury, please reach out for a free 15 minute consultation. I wish you all the best. ​ Katie Duggan, MS - Individual Therapist As a dedicated mental health clinician with a focus on children and young adults, I am passionate about helping individuals navigate the intricate interplay between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. With a foundation in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) complemented by person-centered and psychoanalytic approaches, I strive to create a safe and supportive space where clients can feel heard and understood. My therapeutic philosophy centers on the belief that therapy should be a collaborative journey, where individuals feel empowered to explore their innermost thoughts and emotions in a non-judgmental environment. I view therapy as an invaluable outlet for self-exploration and growth, guiding clients towards healthier ways of coping and living authentically. I am committed to fostering a therapeutic relationship built on trust, empathy, and respect, as I firmly believe that every individual deserves to feel validated and supported on their path towards healing and self-discovery. ​​ Deanna Maher, LCSW - Individual Therapist Deanna earned her MSW from Bridgewater State University and undergraduate degree in psychology from Boston University. Having worked in a variety of settings including partial hospitalization programs, corrections, and crisis response, she has experience in supporting adults with a diverse range of needs including anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, and substance use. Deanna uses a trauma-informed approach with empathy and compassion to assist individuals in deepening understanding of their experiences and learning tools to enact change. Deanna uses a range of interventions best suited for each individual, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and solution-focused treatments to assist clients. Populations: Adults (anyone 18+) and especially enjoy working with young adults. In terms of presenting issues/diagnoses I am most interested in symptoms related to trauma or anxiety. I also have experience with mood disorders and substance use disorders as well. ​​​​​​ Catelin McCarriston, LCSW - Individual Therapist Catelin McCarriston is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She holds a B.S. in Psychology, B.A. in Philosophy, and a Masters in Social Work from Simmons University. As a school social worker in the Greater Boston area, she provided one-on-one counseling for students and conducted groups around mindfulness and stress reduction as well as intersectionality and belonging with LGBTQ+ youth. Catelin also worked with The Home for Little Wanderers as a child and family therapist. She is currently the Director of Programming and Training at Minding Your Mind, a mental health education and suicide prevention non-profit. Catelin uses a strength-based perspective and trauma-informed lens to meet clients where they are, utilizing models of CBT, DBT, IFS, and Narrative Therapy. She is passionate about working with LGBTQ+ folks and those struggling with identity, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Lexi Galuska, LCSW - Individual Therapist Lexi is a licensed certified social worker (LCSW) with a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Boston College. Experienced with youth, adolescent, and young adult populations, Lexi specializes in addressing a range of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, adjustment concerns, and relationship issues. She has experience treating co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders, honed through practice in intensive outpatient and residential treatment centers. Lexi is deeply committed to offering compassionate, person-centered care, ensuring each client receives tailored treatment aligned with their unique needs and circumstances. Utilizing evidence-based modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and solutions-focused approaches, Lexi empowers her clients to achieve meaningful change and build resilience in their lives. With her warmth, expertise, and unwavering dedication, she guides individuals on their journey towards healing and personal growth.

We specializing in the mental health care of women, BIPoC, queer, and trans communities. You shouldn’t have to explain everything to your therapist! And at And Still We Rise we get that. We are a group of mental healthcare providers dedicated to providing folks from marginalized communities services from therapists who get it. Our providers are culturally diverse and bring real-life experience to the work. We value community, critical consciousness, and decolonizing mental healthcare. Simply put, we want to revolutionize the delivery of mental healthcare services to our communities.

I work with college-aged adults and adults experiencing depression, anxiety, interpersonal / family conflicts, stress, and others issues that can arise following trauma. My style is flexible, utilizing a relational, insight-oriented approach, and incorporating behavior modification strategies and mindfulness. I consider what will be most helpful and effective for the client. If my approach seems like it would be a good fit for you or, you’d like to learn more about my practice, please call or email me.

I am a clinical social worker based in Brookline with accessibility from the C and D lines. I work with adult individuals and couples, with a particular emphasis on life events or transitions that disrupt our sense of who we are. Before going to school to become a therapist, I completed a doctorate in philosophy — a domain of inquiry that continues to inform my clinical work on many levels. My primary therapeutic worldview comes from narrative therapy, which views problems in life as supported by dominant stories about who we are or how we should be. These stories can cause distress when they fail to represent what is most important to us. Instead of seeing such stories as an indication of flaws in a person’s self or personality, I assume they have been introduced from the contexts that have shaped us. In addition to narrative therapy, I draw from Buddhist mind training practices, which cultivate the ability to hold difficult emotions with steadiness and kindness to ourselves. Finally, I am influenced by somatic approaches, which emphasize felt experience in the body as a source of information and an entry point to healing. I aspire to meet everyone I encounter in my work with respect, warmth, and curiosity. I often imagine myself walking alongside the people I work with, but following one step behind. My job is to look out with you at the landscape you see and help you identify places you might like to explore. Then we can visit those places and see how things look from there.

At Talitha Koum Psychiatry, we approach mental health with a holistic perspective that prioritizes the patient's overall well-being. Unlike traditional psychiatric practices that focus solely on medication management, we offer various treatment options such as individual or group therapy, natural supplements, dietary changes, and lifestyle changes. We place great importance on building a therapeutic relationship with each patient, as we understand that it plays a crucial role in the healing process. We are a team of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners committed to providing quality, holistic mental health care to individuals of all ages, including children, teens, and adults. Our goal is to make mental healthcare accessible, patient-centered, and culturally responsive. We understand that seeking mental health care can be daunting, especially when cultural norms, traditions, or fear get in the way. But rest assured that our compassionate and qualified team is ready to support you on your journey to wellness. Trust our expertise and guidance to help you achieve a brighter future.

Hi! It’s not easy to find a good psychiatrist. I believe a good psychiatrist puts trusting their patients first and takes extra time to get to know them. To ensure high-quality psychiatric services, I operate a boutique practice, where patients have access to sooner appointments and can speak to me outside of appointments, if needed. If we work together, I strive to individualize your treatment to what works best for you. I have an active therapeutic style to make sure your sessions are engaging, helpful, and sometimes even fun!

I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, providing care to patients throughout the life-span, with a concentration and interest in children and adolescents. I received her Bachelor of Science in Human Services at Northeastern University and later received both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Nursing at Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions. As a nurse practitioner, my goals are to provide individualized, multimodal care to each of my patients using a combination of psychopharmacology and therapeutic interventions. I have a special interest and experience in treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, trauma related disorders, eating disorders and psychotic disorders.

I specialize in working with adults, children, and families who have been impacted by trauma. I have experience in helping clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, dissociation, relationship difficulties, emotional and behavioral dysregulation, and other issues that often result from adverse experiences and traumatic stress. I practice a collaborative approach which honors my clients’ lived experience and allows their needs and our understanding of the challenges they face to shape the specific approaches we use in our work together. I use an integrative style which blends skills-based, relational, and trauma-focused interventions. I see goodness-of-fit as central to the treatment process, and I believe an authentic and trusting relationship is essential to effective therapy. I strive to bring cultural humility to my work, and offer honesty, warmth, humor and compassion to foster the safe environment needed to allow my clients to achieve true growth, healing and transformation. I am fluent in English and Haitian Creole.

College and graduate school can be times of great personal growth, but also times of great challenge. It can be overwhelming to adjust to new living situations, to figure out what you want to do and who you want to be, and build and maintain relationships, all while trying to get your work done. Carrying the weight of it all can feel heavy…and I would love to help you feel less alone. Together we can examine the tough questions and situations. You can have a place to put everything down, rest, and feel okay with not having it all figured out yet.

HRI Hospital is a freestanding 62-bed mental health facility located in Brookline, Massachusetts. The hospital houses four inpatient units designed to treat adults with general psychiatric disorders, dual diagnosis and issues specific to women and the LGBTQ community. We also have six separate and distinct partial hospitalization programs located on the hospital grounds.

Hello! The transition to college and university can be a very exciting one, and can also bring up new challenges and unforeseen emotions. I’m here to support you in an authentic and non-judgmental way as you navigate this transition and new experiences. I use a collaborative approach, centering and honoring YOU as the expert of your experience. Through our work together, I hope that you will feel empowered to take steps towards a healthy well-being.

Hi! I'm a queer, trans, white, non-binary clinical social worker who has been in practice for over ten years. I love working with young adults and adults around issues concerning identity, family, relationships and systems. I use a social justice lens inclusive of healthy bodies at any size and ability, as well as socio-economics, race and ethnicity.

Integrative Psychological Services is a locally-owned, neighborhood therapy practice. Our practice is not run by a big tech company or corporation. We live in the community and aim to support the Boston-area by making sure our services meet the highest of standards. Our priority is you. The personalized services that we offer are integral to our boutique-style practice. We have intentionally created a comfortable office space so you can feel lighter from the moment you walk into the waiting room to the time you step out of the office. Our practice utilizes a private pay model, meaning that we are not in-network with any insurance companies. Because of this model, we can intentionally limit our caseload in order to focus on what matters most, you. ​ Our private pay model also allows us to protect your privacy. By not having to submit therapy notes and diagnoses to insurance companies, we ensure that your treatment is private and secure. Through adopting a boutique-style model, we are able to slow down, remain energized, and spend more time on your treatment goals. This is important as we practice what we preach and hold a deep respect for a balanced and healthy lifestyle. By keeping our practice small and intimate, you won't get lost in the shuffle. At Integrative Psychological Services, we bring the mental and physical energy to go the extra mile. Whether you are our first appointment of the day or last, you'll get 100%. You will consistently be treated with kindness and respect.

I am a psychologist working at CampusCare Counseling. We do offer services exclusively to undergraduate and graduate students. As a therapist, I am committed to helping clients feel empowered to grow and make meaningful and value-based changes in their lives by providing a collaborative and therapeutic space. I value cultivating an authentic connection with my clients that emphasizes compassion and empathy. I strive to create a safe space for vulnerability, curiosity, and self-exploration while also incorporating skill-based work informed by acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectic behavior therapy (DBT).

Whether you’re seeking a therapist for the first time or looking for a new connection, choosing the right provider can be an intimidating process. Often times the most important factor in therapy is how you feel talking to and sitting with the psychotherapist you select. I treat a wide range of clients from a variety of backgrounds. I am a trauma specialist, and I have a particular focus in attachment trauma, narcissistic abuse, estrangement, toxic family stress, codependency, disordered eating, and complex ptsd. I practice from a relational framework, which is able to uniquely address the nature of these harms and the deeply felt needs of many clients. Working with me will look very different from a cookie cutter therapy response. Instead, you’ll find sitting with me includes personal reflection, humor, emotion and science based care. I am located in Medford off High St and nearby the library. Convenient to Winchester, Arlington, Somerville and Cambridge.

I offer expertise in long-term individual therapy, meeting with most of my patients weekly or more. I enjoy working with difficult issues including depression, anxiety, and trauma. These issues often have many manifestations like panic, procrastination and avoidance, low energy, low confidence, eating and sleep disturbances to name only a few. I work hard to offer a space where we can listen very carefully to what is contributing to these problems. My belief is that our problems point to something more than disorder and dysfunction; they point to something that is profoundly unique in each of us. I look forward to hearing from you to talk about how I can help.

Hi, my name is Jenny Rivillas-O'Neill. I am a firm believer in a multidimensional approach to care in order to achieve sustained wellness. My framework incorporates the understanding that we may all experience periods where life management skills alone are insufficient, and thoughtful medication supplementation can be therapeutic in achieving balance and wellness. Through direct care experience, my knowledge, motivation, and passion for assisting people seeking wellness have grown exponentially. My experience includes PMHNP Residency training in the VA Boston Healthcare System, Inpatient Nursing Director at BIDMC, and currently in the last year of a Doctoral program at Yale concentrating on adverse childhood and community experiences and finding pathways toward healing.

I believe that the client is the expert of their lived experience. I will partner with you to explore a variety of issues that may be holding you back from wellbeing and peace. This may include difficult beliefs, patterns and behaviors that you want to change, relationship issues, family issues academic stress, and anxiety. I am happy to have a free 15 minute consult to see if we could be a good fit. I am happy to meet for walks or sit outside on a bench in the Cambridgeport area for sessions!