Therapists for college students near Boston, MA

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/

My therapeutic approach is relational and psychodynamic in nature, grounded in the belief that healing occurs through meaningful, authentic connection. I aim to create a warm, compassionate, and collaborative space where you can feel understood and supported. Together, we can explore how past experiences, relationships, culture, identity, and unconscious patterns shape how you show up in the world. My work is attachment-informed, trauma-informed, and attentive to each client’s unique lived experience. I also strive to incorporate a strengths-based approach to help you live your most fulfilling life. I provide individual and couples therapy to adults navigating depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, relational trauma, identity exploration, life transitions, and college adjustment. I welcome working with clients across a wide range of identities and backgrounds and have a particular interest in supporting LGBTQ+ and queer individuals. I am a queer-identified clinician with experience in outpatient, college counseling, hospitals, and substance use treatment center settings. I have a significant background in research on attachment, unconscious relational patterns, and the use of psychological assessment to clarify diagnostic concerns, guide treatment and increase insight/self-knowledge.

Welcome I'm Melissa and I'm so glad you landed here! I work with young adults who are feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges—whether it’s relationship struggles, a constant worry loop that you can't get out of, low mood, struggles with food and body image, or difficulty with change. If you're reading this, you might be feeling out of balance or disconnected from what’s meaningful to you. Maybe you’re not sure what’s meaningful right now. You could be stuck in old patterns that no longer serve you, unsure about your next steps, or just know something feels "off" without being able to explain why. Or maybe you just need a safe space to explore it all. Whatever you're experiencing, it’s all valid—and it’s all welcome here.

I have been a practicing psychologist, psychoanalyst, and teacher for many years, and I offer psychotherapy tailored to address the unique needs and goals of my individual clients. Many want to work on specific problems relating to anxiety, depression, eating disorders, or childhood trauma. Many are successful people, but find they struggle with one specific area, for example intimate relationships. Some are not sure what, exactly, is wrong, but know that they feel stuck in their lives and are looking for help identifying a path forward. My style is interactive, and I believe that successful psychotherapy depends upon a trusting and respectful relationship between the therapist and client. Psychodynamic understanding is fundamental to my thinking, but I incorporate CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and other skill building strategies when helpful. My practice is geared for individuals and couples who are graduate students or staff. For more detail: www.margaretsablove.com. I have developed a specialty in the treatment of eating disorders and collaborate with treatment programs and medical professionals. In addition I offer individual and group clinical supervision for mental health professionals. I have flexible office hours and use video conferencing when in-person meetings are difficult to schedule.

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.

• Outpatient counseling and recovery support to the greater Boston area community. • Support to adult individuals, couples, and families grappling with mental health and substance use challenges. • Affordable, accessible care and offer sliding scale, private pay and accept most insurance plans. • Day and evening appointments as well as convenient virtual sessions. • Fast replies to inquiries and quick scheduling of appointments

Bernice Ruiz has over 18 years of dedicated service to children, youth, and families as an educator then mental health therapist. Her treatment approach is tailored to each clients' unique needs with a focus on depression, anxiety, relationship issues and school related-issues. She’s collaborated in delivering national suicide-prevention programming and has supported incarcerated mothers after release. As a first generation Haitian-American, she has a particular interest in supporting international students and other first/second-generation students address the stressors of navigating the education system.

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.

My style is warm, empowering, and deeply collaborative. I work from the understanding that the therapeutic relationship itself is a powerful vehicle for healing, built on fostering genuine compassion and unconditional positive regard. I use an integrative approach tailored to clients’ unique needs, drawing from psychodynamic, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). My work is trauma-informed, integrating mindfulness, Liberation Health, and anti-oppressive frameworks, while emphasizing awareness and somatic experience. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, identity concerns, relationship and family dynamics, and college adjustment. I specialize in supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, and individuals navigating chronic illness. I offer an affirming space for diverse identities and relationship dynamics. In addition to a Master of Social Work, I have a Master of Education in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies and a background as a health and wellness/biology teacher, which provides me with a unique understanding of the challenges students encounter in educational environments.

Welcome to Meridian Psychotherapy Associates — where we specialize in supporting the mental health needs of college students. We understand that college is a time of excitement and growth, but also one of stress, change, and uncertainty. Our goal is to provide a safe, understanding, and personalized space for students navigating this unique life stage. Our individual therapy addresses common student concerns such as anxiety, depression, academic stress, time management, identity exploration, and relationship challenges. Our trauma-informed therapists are attuned to the emotional, social, and academic pressures of campus life. We also offer couples therapy for college students in relationships, focusing on communication, conflict resolution, and maintaining connection amid busy schedules. For students navigating family dynamics, we help students improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen support systems. To fit student lifestyles, we provide flexible in-person and telehealth options, allowing therapy access nearby campus or home. At Meridian, our therapists are compassionate, skilled, and committed to empowering students with tools for resilience, growth, and lasting well-being—during college and beyond. Ready to take the next step? Contact us for a consultation and start building a stronger foundation for your personal and academic success.

As a psychotherapist, my goal is to help people talk about life challenges. My psychoanalytic training helps clients uncover their true potentials and work on their long-standing behavior patterns that may be holding them back from experiencing a more fulfilling and happier life. A licensed mental health counselor and licensed substance abuse counselor and supervisor, I have extensive experience working with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues. My experience treating people, supervising clinicians as well as being director of outpatient group therapy programs prepared me for specializing in a variety of areas providing services that span from therapy for depression, anxiety,trauma, difficulties with college life to group therapy for people struggling with work and relationship issues. I am currently scheduling Telehealth sessions.

I am passionate about reducing stigma around mental health and creating a supportive space for all clients. I strongly believe in meeting clients where they are and collaborating with them to create an environment that is most conducive to meeting their therapeutic goals. Additionally, I value the importance of trust in the therapeutic relationship, and I strive to understand my clients’ identities and experiences while exploring their strengths. My passion is working with young adults experiencing anxiety, general stress, interpersonal relationship and family challenges, as well as work or school challenges. I like to work collaboratively with clients, and I welcome open feedback around the therapeutic relationship and process. I am committed to self-reflection and growing in this field to better serve my clients and community. If you think I may be a good fit for you, please reach out. I understand starting therapy can be challenging, and I am here to help with the process. Additionally, many clinicians in our small practice are accepting new clients, and I am happy to provide a referral if you feel I am not be the best match for you.

I have 35 years of experience in doing therapy, including having done a fellowship in College Health. I am a Clinical Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School and am affiliated at Brigham & Women's Hospital. I enjoy working with people particularly in the areas of anxiety and depression, love and relationship concerns, family issues, college life adjustment, career matters, and dealing with medical illness. My office is in Cambridge. I am trained in psychotherapy and psychoanalysis for young people, adults, and kids. I can also prescribe medication, although I don’t do that unless it is in the context of an ongoing regular therapy. I’d be happy to talk with you to see if we’re a good fit for working together! You can also check out my website at kimfoehl.com

At the heart of psychotherapy is accompaniment through one’s inner world. Current difficulties, past struggles, individual and familial traumas, hidden hopes and dreams – all of this will be central to making sense of your present and building toward your future. Starting psychotherapy can feel intimidating, but the benefits can be huge: deeper self-understanding, more meaningful and authentic relationships, reduced depression and anxiety, increased self-confidence. I have worked with a diverse swath of undergrad and graduate students in college counseling centers, and have studied and taught at private and public universities across the country. My specializations include relationship struggles, family conflict and crisis, identity development, career direction, academic concerns, gender and sexuality, trauma, spirituality, creativity, chronic illness, immigration, and LGBTQIA+ issues in teens and adults. I am committed to meeting you where you are at in the therapeutic process, and I welcome exploration of racial, sexual, and gender identities. I am a Harvard Medical School Psychiatry fellow trained in psychodynamic, relational, cognitive behavioral, and mindfulness-based therapies, but I believe a strong sense of connection is the most important element in seeking a therapist. I encourage you to reach out to a number of practitioners to find a good match. I look forward to hearing from you.

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

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.

While specializing in men's issues, anger management, and adolescent and college student populations, I also work individually with women dealing with anxiety, loss and relationship issues. With an emphasis on strengthening relationships and self-esteem, therapy is designed for people searching for a more balanced approach to working through change. I offer family therapy, have extended success connecting with male and female adolescence whose behaviors have been labeled oppositional or explosive, and work with parents/families who struggle with how to relate and communicate with their teenager and each other. Men's Issues/male and female adolescent populations and families work through challenges they have in expressing emotion, managing anger, and interpersonal communication. Men become comfortable with and learn the benefits of therapy rather than holding on to old stereotypes. I offer Sports Psychology consulting for men/women/teens. Client's gain insight, increase self-awareness, and find solutions. They learn coping skills, control emotional impulses, and learn relaxation from a therapist who has spent 15 years studying and practicing meditation. Clients can formulate plans that foster self-care, exercise and nutrition to strengthen defenses and manage negative emotions.

Contending with life's daily pressures can often make it difficult to feel confident in your ability to thrive - and not just barely survive. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, or other concerns, therapy is a safe space where you can engage your existing coping skills and support systems while also discovering and implementing additional strategies and resources. I genuinely believe we have the resilience necessary to make meaningful, lasting changes in our lives. I employ an integrated, systemic approach to therapy and bring humility and cultural sensitivity to every interaction. I have specific experience and interest in working with pregnant and postpartum clients, and I incorporate important concepts such as coping with life transitions, communication, and boundary-setting in my work with every client. I offer supportive, affirming therapy empowering clients to achieve satisfaction in making the changes they seek. I also bring respect and compassion to the therapeutic alliance; my active and empathic listening helps clients feel validated/understood. My goal is to be your ally as we explore your innate strengths and foster your sense of self-affirmation.

I use an integrative, psychodynamically grounded approach with an interpersonal, decolonized, and social justice lens. My work is rooted in a passion for making healing and self-understanding more accessible, especially for multi-marginalized communities. I believe the therapeutic relationship is central to change and prioritize collaboration, dignity, and empowerment. In psychological assessment, I take a client-centered approach that honors testing as a tool for insight and expanding access to care. I work with adults navigating identity development, trauma/complex PTSD, mood/anxiety disorders, life transitions, college adjustment, relational and family concerns, personality disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and ADHD. As a neurodivergent clinician, I enjoy supporting neurodivergent clients through unmasking and embracing the authentic self. I have worked in a variety of settings, including outpatient, school-based, inpatient and forensic settings. My background in forensic psychology, multi-method assessment, and research challenging stigma of specific marginalized populations informs my clinical approach, which embraces and honors the complexity of each person's lived experience.