Therapists for college students near Cambridge, MA

My approach to psychotherapy is person-centered, tailoring the therapy to the unique needs and lived experiences of each client. I draw primarily from psychodynamic therapies, with attention to the neurobiology of trauma and attachment. I also integrate narrative practices to help clients reauthor the stories they tell about their lives, and cognitive-behavioral practices to help transform insight into strategies for change. My style is authentic, non-judgmental, and warm, and I work with clients to enrich therapy with diverse sources of meaning-making, including art, music, film, literature, and world philosophies. I offer individual therapy to adults of any age to address a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, self-esteem, relationship issues, life transitions, and existential and spiritual issues related to personal values and fulfillment. I also work with clients to address issues related to culture, race, sexuality, gender, and class. In addition to my clinical training, I hold a PhD in philosophy and have a background as a college educator in ethics and social issues. I have a passion for helping clients as they navigate questions related to life meaning, personal identity, and social connectedness, and I aim to empower clients to explore new perspectives about themselves and the world.

At Back Bay Mental Health, we connect best with college students from Boston and Cambridge who are juggling the intense pressures of school, social life, and figuring out who they are—all while facing mental health challenges that can make it feel impossible to keep up. Whether you’re a BU student burning out from late-night study sessions, a Harvard undergrad wrestling with anxiety that’s derailing your focus, or a BC student quietly struggling with depression after a tough semester, we get it. Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is built for students like you—smart, driven, and determined to thrive, but maybe feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or stuck right now. We work best with students who are ready to tackle issues like stress, mood swings, trauma, or even substance use that’s crept into their lives, without putting their college experience on hold. You might be someone who’s tired of pretending everything’s fine when it’s not, or who’s been hit hard by a breakup, a family crisis, or the weight of expectations—and needs a space to sort it all out. Our clients often share a desire to feel in control again, to find balance, and to get back to enjoying the things that matter, like acing that midterm or hanging out with friends without a cloud hanging over them. Located right in the heart of Back Bay, steps from the Babcock Street T stop, our IOP fits into your busy student life with flexible scheduling—think evening sessions that leave your days free for class or work. We’re here for the perfectionists who’ve hit a wall, the creatives battling self-doubt, or the athletes sidelined by stress. If you’re ready to take on your mental health with a team that gets the college grind and won’t judge where you’re at, we’d love to help you find your footing and thrive.

I grew up in China and have traveled across Europe and the U.S.! I hold a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis and a Master's degree in Social Science in Gender Studies from London School of Economics and Political Science. I am currently a candidate of PsyaD. I am a licensed mental health counselor and can accept insurance or private pay. Feel free to email or text if you'd like to connect! I create a safe and nonjudgmental space for our work together. In that space, you can expect me to be curious, compassionate, and collaborative. I will ask questions to understand you and your experience better. I will treat you and your story with respect, kindness, and empathy. I will seek your input as we work together to accomplish your therapy goals. I would want to feel your pain and your world with you. By being emotionally attuned to your experience and utilizing intellectually and emotionally engaged facilitations, you will feel your problems resolved in a deep way.

Whether you're juggling life’s day-to-day stressors or facing a major life transition, life can feel complicated and overwhelming. Maybe you feel stuck in unproductive patterns of behavior or want to create meaningful, healthy relationships. Many of the women I work with are navigating pregnancy or fertility journeys, transitioning into motherhood, or are motivated to shift patterns within their family or close relationships. I am passionate about helping women to improve their sense of self and create new patterns of behavior that lead to confidence and increased self worth.

Sometimes, life can be difficult, and I believe that therapy can provide a safe place to process and work through the challenges in your unique journey. I provide a nurturing and collaborative space to meet you as you are and help you gain a deeper sense of your authentic self. My integrative and holistic approach is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and empathetic, seeking to create awareness and compassion for all the parts that comprise you. I work with individuals navigating relationships, life transitions, parenting, fertility, spirituality, grief, depression, anxiety, and trauma.

Lilian is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). She provides psychotherapy with a trauma-informed psychodynamic orientation. Lilian has worked with a diverse population and is interested in building a long-term relationship with her clients. In her practice, she offers a space to listen and explore thoughts and symptoms with a curious lens. This practice of analyses supports the client in moving towards diminishing inhibitions and symptoms, and increasing creativity, curiosity, self-nourishment and the ability to hold complex feelings. Lilian is bilingual in English and Portuguese and can provide therapy in both languages. Her specialty areas include: youth and families, immigration and acculturation, bilingual population, BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ population. She has experience working with diverse symptoms and diagnosis which include anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustment, mood disorders, relational issues, OCD, oppositional behaviors, and addiction.

Welcome to Muk Psychiatry: Mental Health Care for College Students College is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming. Many students feel stressed, anxious, or down as they juggle classes, relationships, and new responsibilities. At Muk Psychiatry, we understand the unique challenges that come with being a student. Our practice is dedicated to supporting college students as they navigate academic pressures, social changes, and personal growth. Who We Help We work best with students who are ready to take charge of their mental health. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trouble focusing, or just feeling “off,” you’re not alone. Many of our clients share common experiences, such as: Feeling overwhelmed by coursework or deadlines Difficulty adjusting to college life or being away from home Worrying about grades, future plans, or relationships Trouble sleeping, eating, or staying motivated Feeling isolated, lonely, or misunderstood How We Can Help At Muk Psychiatry, we offer a safe, welcoming space where you can talk openly about what you’re going through. We listen without judgment and work with you to find practical solutions. Our approach is straightforward and supportive—no confusing medical jargon, just real conversations and evidence-based care. Why Choose Us? We understand the student experience and tailor our care to your needs Flexible appointment times, including evenings and weekends Virtual and in-person visits available Respect for your privacy and busy schedule If you’re a college student looking for support, Muk Psychiatry is here for you. Taking the first step can be hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out today to start feeling better and get back to enjoying your college experience.

Heather Thompson-Brenner, Ph.D., is a Harvard-trained clinical psychologist and researcher in psychotherapy outcome. She uses the therapeutic methods that are best supported by research, in a warm, supportive environment. She has specialized training in exposure and response prevention (ERP), cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), psychodynamic psychotherapy, and narrative therapy. Intensive, short-term, and long-term options are available. Her specialties include anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorders, along with academic, relationship, and family issues. She frequently work with students, academics, and writers from Harvard, Boston University, Tufts, Northeastern, Lesley, and elsewhere.

Emily earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology from Roger Williams University and her Master’s degree in Social Work from University of Connecticut (UCONN). She has experience working with children and families in Outpatient, Intensive Outpatient, and school settings. While working with clients, Emily utilizes various modalities, including Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Therapy is a very personal journey for children and their families and she takes a non-judgmental, empowering, and culturally and LGBTQ competent approach to provide a safe space for this incredibly important and life-changing work.

With over two decades in healthcare, I’ve had the privilege of caring for others both directly and through innovative technology solutions. Along the way, I discovered that true well-being extends beyond physical health; it includes nurturing the mind and spirit. This realization led me to mindfulness, yoga, and meditation—practices that transformed my life and helped me feel more present, grounded, and compassionate. Inspired by this journey, I became a certified yoga instructor and completed counseling training, deepening my commitment to creating space for healing and growth. Today, I bring together years of experience and a passion for holistic wellness to support individuals through life’s challenges. My approach is rooted in evidence-based practices and guided by compassion, offering a safe, non-judgmental space where you can feel truly seen, heard, and empowered. I believe in the transformative power of presence and in honoring the natural connection between body, mind, and spirit. These values shape every interaction, allowing me to respect your unique story, identity, and lived experiences as we work together toward the life you envision. My goal is to walk alongside you not just as a counselor, but as a partner in your journey toward growth and well-being.

As a licensed psychologist, I provide individual therapy for a range of concerns, including relationship stress, life transitions, depression, anxiety, parentification, and trauma. I work from a stance of openness and sincerity and strive to create a comfortable, collaborative environment in which clients feel understood and supported. My therapeutic style is flexible and tailored to each client’s unique concerns and lived experience. My approach is integrative and draws from psychodynamic theory, emotion-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based practices, sensorimotor psychotherapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I am EMDR trained and incorporate EMDR thoughtfully when clinically appropriate. I received my doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The George Washington University, completed my APA-approved internship at Harvard Medical School, and fulfilled my postdoctoral fellowship at Tufts University. I have over 18 years of clinical experience working with adults across a range of settings. Previously, I served as Assistant Director of Counseling at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts and as a staff psychologist at Tufts University’s Counseling and Mental Health Services in Medford, Massachusetts. I have also worked as a clinician and researcher at UC San Diego Medical Center, including within an Early Psychosis Treatment Center. Having immigrated from Argentina as a child, I am bicultural and bilingual in English and Spanish.

Victoria Pappas is a licensed mental health therapist dedicated to supporting college students and young adults as they navigate life transitions, academic pressures, relationship challenges, and personal growth. Her approach is warm, collaborative, and practical, helping students build emotional resilience, develop healthy coping strategies, and gain clarity during periods of change. Victoria’s clinical work focuses on anxiety, stress management, identity development, and balancing academic, personal, and family expectations. She integrates evidence-based therapeutic approaches with a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where students feel comfortable exploring their experiences and working toward meaningful goals. Her goal is to provide a safe and empowering space where students can strengthen self-awareness, build confidence, and develop tools that support both their academic success and overall well-being.

My work focuses on supporting college students, graduate students, adults, and professionals dealing with complex trauma/PTSD, anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity development, ADHD, and self-esteem. I have particular expertise in supporting neurodivergent clients, the LGBTQIA+ population, and couples. I take a warm, collaborative approach to identify and resolve patterns that keep you feeling stuck. The foundation of my work is an identity-affirming approach that positions you as the expert of your own experience. Integrating evidence-based treatments like CBT, DBT, and ACT with a humanistic foundation, my approach focuses on creating a supportive space where clients can explore life’s complexities, deepen insight, and work through personal challenges. I aim to be compassionate and practical, helping clients feel understood while also making meaningful progress. It's never too late or too early to get to the life you want. I look forward to getting to know you! Please note calls & emails will be answered by our practice administrator.

Some of the students who connect best with me are those who have spent a long time pushing through difficult emotions on their own. They may be dealing with depression, the effects of past experiences, relationship struggles, or a general sense that something feels off, even if they cannot fully explain why. Many are tired of feeling like they have to keep everything bottled up or figure things out by themselves. Through WellQor, I provide online therapy for college students and young adults, and WellQor accepts most major insurance plans to help make care more accessible. I believe meaningful therapy starts with feeling comfortable enough to be honest about what is really going on. My role is not to tell you who you should be or what choices to make, but to help you better understand yourself, your experiences, and the patterns that may be keeping you stuck. I am especially interested in working with students who are struggling with depression, trauma, or difficult life experiences that continue to affect how they see themselves and relate to others. In our work together, we can explore those experiences at a pace that feels manageable while also focusing on practical ways to improve your day to day life. My goal is to create a space where you feel respected, understood, and able to talk openly about the things that matter most to you.

Veterinary Social Work, Nature-Informed Therapy & Walk-and-Talk Sessions. 🌳🐕🦆🦌 Many of the people I work with are thoughtful, deeply caring, compassionate individuals who have spent so much energy taking care of others, meeting high expectations, and holding everything together that they've lost touch with themselves. They are the caregivers, changemakers, student leaders, and community builders. Too often, natural helpers arrive feeling burned out, anxious, overwhelmed and physically exhausted. They look at their lives and realize they no longer recognize themselves. I believe people have an incredible capacity to heal, adapt, and grow. Therapy is a collaborative process where we slow down, make sense of what's been weighing on you, and reconnect with what matters most. You set the pace. My work is grounded in the belief that healing happens through connection - with ourselves, with other people, with animals, and with the natural world around us. This perspective is informed by One Health, which recognizes that human, animal, and environmental well-being are deeply interconnected. I offer therapy in-office, online, and through Nature-Informed Therapy and Walk-and-Talk sessions when clinically appropriate at various locations in the Delaware River Valley's Mercer-Bucks Region. Nature-informed therapy is always an invitation, never an expectation. For some people, movement and time in nature creates space to reflect, regulate, and reconnect. Others prefer the comfort of an office or telehealth. Together, we'll find the approach that feels right for you. As an NYU-trained Veterinary Social Worker, I also provide specialized support for veterinary students, compassion fatigue, animal companion loss and grief, Emotional Support Animal (ESA) evaluations and letters when clinically appropriate, and anyone whose relationship with an animal has profoundly shaped their life. These relationships deserve to be recognized and honored. Whether you're navigating burnout, anxiety, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, grief, identity questions, relationship challenges, or simply the feeling that you've lost yourself while caring for those around you, therapy offers a place to reconnect with yourself, your relationships, and the life you want to create. *I offer psychotherapy through both insurance-based and private-pay practice settings. Traditional office-based and telehealth services may be available through insurance. Specialized outdoor services, including Nature-Informed Therapy and Walk-and-Talk sessions, are offered through my private practice. Clients are encouraged to inquire about fees and verify any potential reimbursement with their insurance provider.* If you are enrolled in the Princeton University Student Health Plan (SHP), please use the following link to schedule your consultation. https://positivemindcounseling.clientsecure.me

You might be here because life feels overwhelming, or you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, or the lingering impact of trauma. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling stuck in painful emotional cycles or disconnected from who they used to be, whether because of relationship changes, career shifts, immigration experiences, or earlier life events that continue to affect them. In our work together, I offer a safe, collaborative space where you set the pace. I use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors and draw from narrative therapy to explore how your life experiences shape the way you see yourself and your future. We’ll also integrate mindfulness and self-compassion strategies so you have practical tools to navigate challenges day to day. My previous experience includes supporting individuals in crisis, leading wellness groups, and connecting clients with resources to enhance their well-being. These experiences strengthened my dedication to whole-person care and the importance of meeting people where they are. I specialize in supporting adults, including those navigating cultural identity-related stress and life transitions. As a trilingual clinician, I pay close attention to the ways culture and identity can impact mental health. My goal is for you to feel truly heard, supported, and empowered as we work together toward lasting growth and well-being. When I’m not working, I recharge by sharing meals and conversations with friends, enjoying movies, or listening to music that helps me reset after a full day. If you’re considering therapy, you don’t need to have everything figured out to start. This is your time and space, and I’m here to meet you wherever you are.

College life can be exciting—and overwhelming. Between classes, relationships, family expectations, and figuring out who you are and where you’re headed, it’s easy to feel stressed, stuck, or unsure. My approach to therapy starts with really listening and working together, so you feel understood and supported from the beginning. In our first few sessions, we’ll talk about what’s been tough lately, what you want to change, and what might be getting in the way. Therapy isn’t about having all the answers right away—it’s about creating a space where you can explore, reflect, and grow at your own pace. I tailor therapy to each person, drawing from different approaches based on what works best for you. Whether you’re dealing with stress or anxiety, feeling down, struggling with relationships (romantic, friendships, or family), managing academics and time, adjusting to a big life transition, or trying to understand patterns that keep showing up, we’ll work together to help you build skills and tap into strengths you already have. I have over 20 years of experience working with college students and young adults, including more than 15 years in university counseling centers. I’ve supported students with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationship concerns, identity exploration, and cross‑cultural challenges. I also have extensive experience working with international students and students from diverse backgrounds. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected as you navigate this stage of your life.

Clinical Alliance Services, LLC (CAS) offers individuals and couples psychotherapy to adults ages 18+ for a wide variety of conditions and concerns, including: Academic Concerns Anxiety Disorders Career and Work-Related Concerns Chronic Illness College Adjustment Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Dissociation Divorce Gender Dysphoria Gender Identity Grief Identity Life Transitions Mood Disorders Polyamory/Consensual Non-Monogamy Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Quality of Life Racial Identity Relational Issues (Peer, Couples, Family) Self-Esteem Sexual Identity Social Oppression Related to Race, Gender, Sexuality, Ability, Religion, and/or Body Size Spirituality Stress Trauma & Related Disorders We value the flexibility to deliver integrative treatment approaches to best meet our clients’ needs. While our clinical orientation is primarily influenced by relational psychodynamic and attachment-based treatment approaches, our clinical team includes psychotherapists trained in a variety of treatment approaches, including: Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Internal Family Systems (IFS) Liberation Health Model Mindfulness-Based Treatment Motivational Interviewing Relational Cultural Theory Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Trauma-Informed Treatment Approaches We value the flexibility to deliver integrative treatment approaches to best meet our clients’ needs. We are committed to offering mental health services in an inclusive setting, anchored in a social justice framework, and are passionate about providing psychotherapy services to clients across all identities, experiences and backgrounds. View our staff profiles here: www.clinicalallianceservices.com/team

My approach to psychotherapy is rooted in psychodynamic and relational theory, cultural awareness, cognitive behavioral techniques, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) and neurobehavioral therapeutic approaches. I am dedicated to meeting my clients where they are at and adapting treatment to meet their needs. My therapeutic style is compassionate, relaxed, and empowering. I am currently a postgraduate Social Work Fellow and have worked in a variety of clinical settings, ranging from hospital settings supporting individuals' socio-emotional needs to educational settings supporting individuals' learning needs. I offer psychotherapy services to adults of all ages, including college-aged adults, and specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, life transitions, relationships, self-esteem and identity issues. I have experience working with refugee populations, as well as survivors of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and sexual assault. As an Indian-American and immigrant woman, my work is grounded in the intersectionality of gender, racial identity, country of origin, migration, systemic oppression, and sexuality. I enjoy working with individuals across all identities and specialize in working with individuals who hold multiple cultural and/or racial identities.

My therapeutic orientation is guided by psychodynamic, humanistic, and relational approaches, and founded on a strengths-based model, which emphasizes that each person is the expert of their own story. My style is compassionate, empowering, and accessible, and I focus on meeting people where they are. I draw on a range of modalities including narrative therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Liberation Health, and motivational interviewing. My clinical approach is trauma-informed and collaborative, with a queer, feminist, and anti-oppressive lens. I have worked in a variety of settings including hospitals, crisis centers, schools and colleges. I provide psychotherapy to adults of all ages and backgrounds, specializing in anxiety, depression, PTSD, identity, life transitions, relationships, gender and sexuality, and the survival of domestic and or sexual violence. I worked for five years at a Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) clinic with individuals experiencing severe, medication-resistant depression, advocating for clients’ needs. My identities and experiences working in a variety of clinical settings have strengthened my passion for working with queer and BIPOC individuals to support healing, growth, and joy.