Therapists for college students near Boston College

If you're navigating mental health challenges while trying to keep up with life, you're not alone. You might be exhausted from masking how you feel, wondering why it's so hard to focus, stay motivated, or feel truly connected to others. Maybe your mood feels unpredictable, or it's getting harder to show up for school, work, or relationships the way you want to. I work with people facing ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, psychosis, and substance use. These experiences can shape how you think, how you relate to others, and how you feel in your own body. Therapy offers a safe space to explore what's going on beneath the surface and figure out what helps. My approach is warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental. You don't have to have everything figured out. Whether you're overwhelmed by stress, feeling stuck in patterns that don't make sense, or just trying to get through the day, I'll meet you with curiosity and respect. Together, we can build understanding, practical tools, and a path forward that feels manageable and meaningful. Therapy works best as a collaborative process. Rather than telling you what to do, I'll work alongside you to explore your experiences, identify what's getting in the way, and find tools that actually fit your life. I move at a pace that feels right for you, honoring your strengths while making space for growth and change. I also provide psychiatric care and have worked in both inpatient psychiatry and outpatient addiction medicine. Motivational interviewing has been a key part of how I support people navigating substance use, especially when they feel ready for change. Helping people recover, in whatever form that takes, brings deep meaning to my work. Throughout my career, I've supported people from many walks of life, young adults, older adults, veterans, Native American communities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. I'm passionate about addressing the growing crisis of depression, anxiety, and isolation that affects so many people today. I am easygoing and conversational. I show up as a real person, not a distant expert. Connecting with people and supporting their recovery is a privilege that continues to shape my life in meaningful ways. You don't have to figure everything out on your own. When you're ready, support is here.

Welcome, First of all, be sure to take a deep breath and know that whether you choose to work with me or someone else you will get through this process! Choosing a therapist is not an easy task. I look forward to setting up a time to speak with you after you review my clinical background and training. Most college students appreciate the sense of humor and warmth that I bring to our discussions. They feel connected and engaged with a real person who cares about them in a personal way. They also appreciate my ability to help them identify practical solutions to the academic and emotional issues that they voice in our meetings. My wide range of clinical experiences allow me to help my patients move through treatment with a sense of energy and a feeling that their strengths are both appreciated and enhanced throughout the treatment process. This close relationship allows them to open-up and identify a pathway forward in their life that is meaningful, clear, and solid. To provide you with some background I would note that I am a licensed psychologist who has worked with college students for years. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, college transition stress, social skill challenges and anger management. I also help students who need specialized support in managing the organizational, writing, or academic demands of a college environment. I meet with students in individual, group, and family therapy sessions depending on the need. I also support students and their families in situations where they are stepping down from a stay in an in-patient hospital or are trying to avoid a hospitalization. My approach to treatment is holistic in that I use a range of time-tested treatment interventions to identify and address your needs in a personalized manner. I would be happy to answer any questions you have about my approach to treatment in our first phone contact. I maintain an academic appointment at Harvard Medical School and serve as a Clinical Associate at McLean Hospital, the medical school's largest teaching psychiatric hospital. I have supervised numerous psychologists, social workers, and psychiatrists over the course of my career and as such I am the Director of Training in my group practice, and I am currently training five psychology graduate students. Please feel free to email me at Perna@hms.harvard.edu or call me at 617-431-1441 in order to answer your questions. Good luck with your journey! https://www.copernican.solutions/david-a-perna-phd.html

I believe therapy is a creative process. I encourage free association in sessions to promote new ways of thinking and a wider range of feelings. I have experience treating mild to severe mental health diagnoses and can adapt my approach to the needs of each individual. As a practicing psychotherapist and a doctoral intern in psychoanalysis, I have a special interest in the unconscious life of my patients. I am available in-person or via Telehealth.

I am a licensed educational psychologist and psychotherapist. There are times in life when you may struggle with social-emotional issues that are overwhelming. You may be dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, social stress, relational conflicts, low self-esteem, poor impulse control, trauma, or the challenges of college life. Navigating the myriad of social stressors frequently requires learning new skill sets, which at times may include further development of your Emotional Intelligence (EQ). My goal is to support you as the author of your story and create an approach that fits your unique needs. I focus on helping clients build those inner resources and when possible a network of support that help them weather the challenges in life and promote lasting change. My treatment modality is holistic and integrative. Everyone is unique and as individuals no one therapeutic style may work for everyone. I may incorporate parts of different therapeutic approaches to create a custom fit based on each client's needs.

Therapy provides a space for you to process difficult feelings and situations. As a therapist, I help patients explore new ways of engaging with the world and with themselves. My goal is for patients to translate insights and skills into noticeable changes in their lives. My style balances pragmatism, humor, compassion, and curiosity. I treat a range of concerns, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, alcohol/substance use, relationship concerns, and life transitions. I draw on a range of theoretical approaches, emphasizing rootedness in the present moment and interpersonal connection.

With over 30 years of experience, we will work together collaboratively on your goal of feeling better. Whether it's stress, academic stress, roommate or relationship issues, anxiety, or family of origin issues, together we will work toward your goal of living a more contented, fulfilling life. I have extensive experience working with college and grad students in the Boston area.

Hey there! I’m Rachel, a therapist specializing in supporting college students right here in the Boston area. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, ADHD, OCD, or the stress of balancing school and life, you’re not alone—and I’m here to help. My approach is warm, practical, and collaborative. We’ll work together at your pace to build skills that fit your unique needs and get you feeling more in control. Daytime appointments are available to fit your busy schedule. Reach out anytime—taking the first step is often the hardest, but you don’t have to do it alone.

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.

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.

My expertise is working with college students as I've worked at MIT for 22 and a half years at the MIT MH Counseling Service. Have worked with students from the US and all over the worlds on a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, academic challenges, sexual identity, cultural adjustment and relationships issues.

Independent of my job at MGH/Harvard Medical School as a clinical psychologist, I see clients in my private practice (Psychological Care and Consultancy, PLLC). I have 20+ years of experience treating anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, grief and loss, adjustment difficulties, low self-esteem, relationship problems and family conflicts, and educational and occupational concerns. I also have extensive experience working with health professionals, high-functioning autism, mild TBI and cognitive problems. I provide culturally sensitive integrative therapy using evidence-based treatments - cognitive behavior therapy, exposure and response prevention, cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure, complex grief therapy, trauma-focused therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, attachment-based therapy, and intensive treatment for trauma, grief, and anxiety.

We are a thriving DBT practice that works with teens and young adults to skillfully manage the strong emotions that they find overwhelming or interfere with their ability to function effectively in their lives. We offer group and individual therapy services. We would consider virtual (telehealth) services if a person has already had DBT and is seeking support to maintain gains. Another service we offer is psychological assessment, which is provided to help clarify mental health diagnoses, to learn more about what is getting in the way of treatment progress, or to take a deeper dive into how someone's personality is constructed. (This is different from neuropsych assessment.)

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!

Welcome! My name is Sarah and I'm a licensed psychologist in Cambridge, MA. I work with students with concerns related to relationships, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, identity development, and navigating big life transitions that come with college life. I provide in-person sessions in Harvard Square and telehealth throughout Massachusetts.

Therapy enables us to heal ourselves and sharpen access to our wisest intuition. As your therapist, I will provide a comfortable space for self-reflection, where you will come to understand yourself at the deepest level. In our work together, you will learn to nurture yourself as you build inner strength and serenity. I’ve worked in community mental health, psychiatric hospitals, outpatient treatment centers, and private practice. Driven by curiosity, empathy, and integrity, my approach is built on the belief that every person is capable of growth. My goal is for you to leave each session feeling seen and understood, and to end therapy as your most authentic self. Though there is always darkness in life, I believe light can be found by those who want to see it. I am not afraid of the dark. Bring me your darkness—your pain, your confusion, your hurt—and we will walk together as you find your guiding lights.

Having been a staff psychologist at the MIT and Boston College counseling centers, I have specialized in working with students. If you’re feeling stuck, down, or anxious, I can help. I am skilled in tailoring treatment plans to meet your unique needs and goals. I integrate evidence-based interventions with empathy and understanding to help you navigate life's challenges and achieve meaningful growth and healing. I will approach you with warmth, respect, and non-judgmental acceptance, fostering a safe space for exploration and healing. With a genuine passion and dedication, I aim to empower those I work with to overcome obstacles, build resilience, and cultivate positive change. Through my compassionate and evidence-based approach, I will strive to make a meaningful difference in your life. - Rebecca Rabin, PsyD

Together, we can evaluate where your personality, coping skills, behaviors, lifestyle, and relational habits come together either to promote or impede your health. I am passionate about helping people who suffer from obsessions, compulsions, intrusive thoughts, avoidance, perfectionism, and other such unhelpful behaviors. My attention to all-around health is useful for working with those experiencing depression or problematic substance use. In addition, I enjoy supporting those experiencing relational or familial difficulties, romantic/sexual dissatisfaction, or working through issues at the intersection of gender and culture. Our work will be tailored to your unique goals and personality. Using interventions from ACT, ERP, CBT, and mindfulness, I will help you to act in sustainable, value-aligned ways by changing how you relate to your thoughts and emotions. Psychodynamic, existential, spiritual, and holistic health frameworks will provide additional support to our work together. With humor, insight, compassion, and skill, I can help you recognize where you get in your own way and establish new modes of being. Utilizing lived experience and a commitment to transparent, collaborative therapy, I provide a comfortable space for suffering to be aired out and reimagined. I would be honored to walk with you on your journey.

I can help if you feel stuck, insecure or feeling like you are not “good enough”. I can help you build real confidence and emotional strength. You might find yourself constantly overthinking, comparing yourself to others, or feeling pulled in different directions. One part of you trying to move forward while another holds you back. As a fully bilingual (Spanish/English) Latino therapist, I understand how pressure, expectations, and life transitions can impact your confidence and sense of self. I specialize in trauma (EMDR), anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationships, and self-esteem. I integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help you understand and work through internal conflicts, and EMDR to reprocess difficult or traumatic experiences. I also use solution-focused and cognitive-behavioral approaches to support practical, real-life change. My approach is supportive, collaborative, and tailored to your pace, while still helping you move toward meaningful change. If you feel ready to start working through this, feel free to reach out to schedule a consultation or an intake session with me.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am a Harvard-trained psychiatrist providing psychotherapy and medication management for college students and young adults. I help individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, perfectionism, test anxiety, social anxiety, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. I have particular experience working with LGBTQ+ students and young adults, as well as those navigating identity development, college adjustment, academic stress, and uncertainty about the future. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by coursework, struggling socially, questioning your direction, or finding it difficult to meet the expectations you've set for yourself, treatment can provide a space to better understand what's getting in the way and develop a healthier path forward. My approach is collaborative, thoughtful, and individualized. I integrate psychodynamic psychotherapy with evidence-based medication management when appropriate, taking the time to understand your unique experiences, goals, and values rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. My goal is to help you not only reduce symptoms, but also develop greater self-understanding, confidence, and resilience.