Therapists for college students near Boston, MA

I am an LICSW who thoroughly enjoyed 42 plus years of clinical experience working as a Clinical Services Executive in a psychiatric hospital.  My oversight responsibilities for inpatient and outpatient care included providing direct service to patients, supervising clinical staff,  and developing therapeutic programming. I specialize in providing DBT, couples therapy, treatment for anxiety, depression, and trauma; working with young adults adapting to the multiple challenges of life and with people dealing with family members who are having mental health issues.  I am convinced that people are innately capable of change and adaptation, and I seek to support them in developing new insights and perspectives about their circumstances so that they can see new possibilities for themselves and take positive action for self-advancement.  I find it extremely gratifying to see clients make progress in their lives.    For therapists, I offer license-eligible supervision; support of their own clinical practice;  group therapy for therapists seeking support/guidance; and support to frontline workers and care takers. Therapists and health care providers often experience vicarious traumatization, and I can offer them perspective in dealing with this issue.  I believe in the importance of healing the healers and that I can offer this valuable support.

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 working as a therapist in private practice for over 20 years. My specialties include working with trauma, life transitions, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and body image struggles.

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.

I'm available to support students who may feel overwhelmed, stressed, or uncertain about the path ahead. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, adjusting to college life, struggling with self-doubt, or navigating relationships, I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts and feelings. The students I work best with are those who feel like they’re juggling a lot—academic pressure, personal expectations, and social challenges—but who also want to grow, find balance, and build confidence. Many of my clients are learning to manage stress, cope with feelings of isolation, or figure out how to communicate better in their relationships. My approach is collaborative, and I focus on helping you find practical tools that fit into your life. Therapy doesn’t have to be intimidating; together, we’ll work at your pace to help you feel more grounded and in control. I’m here to listen, offer guidance, and support you as you navigate this chapter of your life.

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.

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.

People seek psychotherapy for different reasons. You may want to address symptoms of depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem, feelings of distress, vulnerability, or isolation. You may be searching for greater meaning, connection, authenticity, and empowerment in your daily interactions. Therapy can help reveal and change patterns that inhibit or undermine living the life you desire. In a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship, we can create conditions for growth, challenge ways of seeing, process painful experiences, and increase your awareness and acceptance of different parts of yourself. I take a relational therapeutic approach and integrate methods that promote insight, emotional awareness, and motivation for behavioral change. Through my training and education at Harvard and Boston Universities, I developed expertise in treating anxiety disorders, trauma and loss, and in helping people identify and strengthen their sources of resilience. It can be an uncomfortable endeavor to start therapy for the first time or again. Building comfort and trust in relationship is one of the first things you and I would work on together. I welcome your questions and input from the start and throughout the process. Please feel free to get in touch.

Life has a way of surprising us — a loss, a betrayal, a diagnosis, or a path that no longer feels right. In these moments, it’s easy to feel unsteady or unsure how to move forward. I specialize in working with college students and young adults who are navigating these turning points and trying to find their footing again. With over 15 years of experience in counseling settings at Harvard and MIT, I offer a warm, supportive space where you can slow down, reflect, and feel understood. My approach is both insight-oriented and practical — helping you make sense of your experiences while building tools for meaningful change. Many of my clients are high-achieving individuals — often children of immigrants, or professionals in higher education and STEM — who appear put-together on the outside while quietly carrying stress, grief, or a sense that something isn’t quite working. If that sounds like you, I can help. Let's get started!

My goal as a clinician is to help you feel free. In treatment, I will invite you to bring your whole self into the room, as you are. Together, we will work to identify the ways in which you feel stuck and shift unhealthy patterns that keep you from moving forward. There is no need to "have it all figured out." All I ask is that you remain open and curious to the known and unknown parts of yourself. It is my hope that through our work together, you will begin to better know who you are, identify what you want, and live a richer, more meaningful life.

Health Psychology Associates, a distinctive female-owned boutique private group practice, is nestled in the heart of Boston's historic Back Bay. Our mission is clear: We help ambitious individuals realize their full potential, lead fulfilling lives, and improve their work, love, and play through the transformative power of therapy. With a focus on high-stress careers, we cater to a diverse clientele, ranging from students to seasoned executives across various fields and disciplines. Our dedication is unparalleled—we view therapy as a catalyst for profound transformation. We're not just therapists but committed partners in your well-being, guiding you toward growth, change, and resilience. Because fundamentally, we believe that peace of mind is the cornerstone of good health.

Welcome to Meridian Psychotherapy Associates, where 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 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.

We grow in relationships when we feel seen, responded to, and appreciated. My goal is to build a therapeutic connection together that enables you to work on challenges you are facing while also empowering you to feel more connected to yourself and others. I provide a curious, caring, collaborative presence in the hopes that our sessions offer a space to take a breath, experience your feelings, and explore. My therapeutic approach is grounded in relational cultural therapy and psychodynamic therapy. I also incorporate narrative, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing in my work. I support clients experiencing mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, family and relationship issues, ADHD, grief, and identity exploration. I have experience working with college students, including first generation and international students, and educators. I welcome all clients including BIPOC, queer, trans, and gender-expansive individuals. I am a former educator and work from a strengths-based and trauma-informed perspective. I draw on attachment theory and systems theory to understand clients’ experiences in the full context of their lives, including how our identities, needs, and experiences are connected to our communities, cultures, and the broader forces that shape our well-being.

At Bending Birch Counseling, we believe therapy should be thoughtful, collaborative, and tailored to the individual. Every person brings a story, strengths, and experiences, which is why we take the time to understand what matters most to you. We slow down enough to understand how your experiences, patterns, and relationships have shaped the way you move through the world today. We focus on what change would realistically look like for you, not in theory, but in practice. Together, we'll work toward change that feels authentic, practical, and sustainable.

I believe in the power of relationships. We show ourselves, and become ourselves, through our relationships with others. I seek to provide a safe space for collaborative exploration of your thoughts and feelings, including those that may have been pushed aside. By working together to give voice to your desires and fears, and develop non-judgmental awareness of your inner conflicts, you can learn how to give yourself what you need and build resilience. I am a Licensed Psychologist, primarily trained in psychodynamic and family systems practices. specialized in working with adults struggling with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, traumatic experiences, and acculturation/identity issues. I am bilingual (English-Spanish) and bicultural, and have an interest in multicultural clients' needs. I individualize/tailor my therapeutic approach to meet the needs and goals of each client, because this should be about you. Whether you yearn for peace, love, authenticity, balance, or even if you do not know what is missing in your life, please contact me to learn more about how therapy can help you find it.

Choosing to start therapy is a meaningful way to care for yourself and respect your own story. If you are facing emotional challenges or want a deeper connection with yourself, this journey can bring hope. Taking the first step by reaching out can help you find the peace and strength you already have inside. Creating a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental space is at the heart of my practice. In this space, we can forge a meaningful therapeutic alliance. Together, we'll explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, helping you build resilience to heal, gain deeper insights, and enhance mood management/coping skills. With my Asian background and fluency in both English and Mandarin, I bring together Eastern and Western perspectives to support your recovery and self-care. I aim to create an inclusive space where you can express yourself freely. Your path to well-being is unique, and I am honored to help you find your inner strength, heal, and grow.

Over the past more than 10 years of practice in psychotherapy, I am always amazed by people’s resilience, their longing and efforts for something better. I feel privileged to be part of their journey. While I have worked in a variety of clinical settings, including 5 university counseling centers, I have deeply enjoyed working with college students and young adults during an important transitional period in their lives. I approach therapy from a strength-based, humanistic perspective which integrate Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), interpersonal process, Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Emotional focused Therapy and mindfulness. I was born and grew up in China. Living in two different cultures has its own challenges and rewards. I learned to appreciate the richness of human experiences and cultures, also practice therapy through a multicultural lens. I am bilingual, provide psychotherapy both in English and Mandarin.

I specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health and substance use disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, and ADHD. I am especially passionate about advocating for patients and helping them feel seen, heard, and supported throughout their mental health journey. I believe everyone deserves compassionate, respectful care where their voice matters. Mental healthcare can be life-changing when people feel genuinely supported. I incorporate evidence-based therapy modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, exposure therapy, and motivational interviewing. These approaches help build coping skills, change unhelpful thought patterns, regulate emotions, and increase motivation for behavior change, improving overall functioning and treatment outcomes. Outside of work, I unwind by spending quality time with my family, watching sitcoms, and listening to music. I also prioritize taking vacations and time away to recharge, which helps me maintain balance and return to work refreshed and present for my patients.

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!

When mental health challenges feel overwhelming, expert guidance can make all the difference. As a board-certified psychiatrist and a therapist, I offer comprehensive mental health care that integrates medication management and evidence-based psychotherapy. My clinical experience spans multiple settings within the mental health system: Inpatient units, outpatient clinics, consultation-liaison services, and community mental health centers. This diverse background gives me a top-down understanding of the American mental health system. If you are feeling lost, we’ll find a path forward.