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.

I utilize a trauma-informed, person-in-environment approach that recognizes the importance of both individual and environmental factors that influence a person's well-being and behavior. There is no "one size fits all" approach, therefore I adopt techniques from varying practice modalities to best meet the needs of each individual client. I specialize in providing compassionate support for individuals navigating through trauma, including those impacted by violence, medical issues, and workplace burnout. I aid clients facing grief, life transitions, or heartbreak, fostering resilience and healing amidst challenges. I address various mental health issues - anxiety, depression, and PTSD - with a comprehensive and holistic approach. I believe that my clients are the experts in their own lives, therefore I provide a compassionate, safe, and inviting environment for those who are on their journey for self-discovery & healing.

Health Psychology Associates is offering in-person sessions and telehealth. We are accepting new clients for therapy. Welcome to Health Psychology Associates, a therapy practice, conveniently located in Boston’s Back Bay. Our mission is to help people lead meaningful and fulfilling lives, cultivating strengths within themselves, and enhancing their experiences of love, work, and play. Our therapists provide high-quality, evidence-based clinical services and care in a collaborative, supportive environment. We see adults and adolescents for anxiety, stress, depression, medical illness, coping, relationship issues, exhaustion, and burnout. We specialize in high achieving college and graduate students, working professionals in high-pressure careers including healthcare, law, finance, and technology. By combining the latest research in neuroscience with traditional techniques, we give our clients the best care in the Back Bay. To become a new patient, simply fill out a New Patient Inquiry on our website at bostonhealthpsych.com.

As a psychologist, I help college students explore their thoughts, feelings and relationships in a supportive and optimally challenging environment. I am committed to helping my clients feel better and become the best version of themselves. If you want to feel better in your body, adjust to college, improve your relationships, or generally improve your quality of life, you are like many of my clients and I am confident that we can work together to help you. I also work with people who have experienced sexual trauma, struggle with body image, and those who wish to explore their identities and family of origin as they move forward to shape their lives. My therapeutic style is warm, engaged, and collaborative. I work using evidence based methods to help you effect change, and I trust that you are the expert on yourself. Together we create a genuine and in-depth relationship that is supportive, empowering and growth fostering. This experience in therapy strengthens and transforms your sense of self, which in turn allows you to create a more fulfilling and joyful life. I really believe finding the right “fit” of therapist matters. Research has demonstrated that the best predictor of effectiveness in therapy is the relationship between client and therapist. So, I encourage you to contact me to hear my voice and get a sense of my style. I am happy to talk with you about ways that I might be of help to you.

I am a therapist with over 30 years of experience working with teens and adults at all stages in life. My professional goal is to develop the highest quality relationship with each client, while using a variety of specific techniques that are tailored to each person's needs. I provide a safe, non-judgmental environment for you to be able to talk about difficult feelings and experiences, and come up with effective coping skills. Clients who come seeking help from me generally feel stuck in some area of their lives. They often feel depressed and anxious. They may be struggling at school, having problems in relationships, and may be trying to discover their place in the world. Through insight, thoughtful exploration, and a collaborative effort to identify and change problematic behaviors, my clients find relief from their symptoms, grow beyond the limitations they have felt restricted by, and experience a stronger sense of self in the world.

My approach to therapy is grounded in narrative therapy, with the belief that how you understand and relate to your problems shapes your ability to move forward. Whether it’s depression that leaves you feeling stuck, anxiety that chips away at your confidence, or shame that strains your relationships—we'll explore how these experiences impact your life. Many of these struggles are shaped by external pressures around success, identity, and expectations. In therapy, we’ll work together to uncover what feels authentic and meaningful to you. I offer a collaborative and transparent space for healing. While rooted in narrative therapy, I integrate CBT and DBT techniques to support your growth. My experience includes depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, life transitions, and relationship challenges. At the heart of my practice is a deep respect for your voice and values. My goal is for you to feel empowered and at the center of your healing process. If you’re feeling disconnected from yourself or your path, we can work together to help you find your way back.

Many of us benefit from having a safe space where we can regularly express ourselves. Since receiving my graduate degree at NYU over 17 years ago, I have provided strengths-based support in a variety of settings, including Cornell University Health Center, Boston University's affiliated Health Center, and New York University. My passion is to share Integrative, Experiential, and Mindfulness-based methodologies. I aim to help individuals with understanding and interrupting unhelpful patterns. We may address themes such as Relationships, Interpersonal Dynamics, and Anxiety. Licensed in MA and NY.

Sara Hickey is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience working with adolescents, adults, and couples navigating life transitions, anxiety, trauma, and mood disorders. She brings extensive experience delivering evidence-based treatment across a variety of outpatient settings. She has developed a particular passion for working with young adults, supporting them as they navigate significant life transitions and self esteem challenges. Sara also specializes in working with individuals who have experienced trauma, with a strong focus on understanding how trauma affects both the mind and body. Many of Sara's clients struggle with excessive worry and have diffculty managing stress. Sara prioritizes building a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship and collaborates closely with clients to identify meaningful goals. At the heart of her work is a deep belief in the power of connection and the meaningful impact therapy can have in helping individuals grow, heal, and create lasting change.

I am experienced in working with adults that are dealing with anxiety, low self-esteem, interpersonal relationship issues, and life transitional stress. I believe that everyone has the strength to dig deeper into their psyche and understand themselves better. I recognize how different environmental factors can induce feelings of loneliness, and I can help provide a space that feels open, non-judgmental, and safe for all kinds of expression. My approach to therapy is relational, collaborative, and goal-oriented. I integrate various behavioral and mindfulness based interventions in my practice, tailoring my style to best meet my clients’ needs. Through humor and introspective conversations, I believe in building a genuine connection that propels healing and growth. As an immigrant and a woman of color, I recognize that mental health stigma can limit asking for help. I ensure a culturally competent lens and hope we can work together on this journey of finding that inner strength and wisdom.

As individuals or in the context of a relationship, we are always trying to make meaning of our lives, decide what is essential to us, and think about the path we are on. Of course, in life there are transitions and challenges along the way which interfere. One can become affected emotionally and can get lost for a time, or feel disillusioned, upset or stuck. In our relationships, we experience conflict and communication struggles, and sometimes get locked into repeated and unwanted patterns. One might ask: "Am I living the life I want; is there something more for me? How do I change? Therapy can be a way to understand the emotions we have, the life transitions we experience and the thoughts we linger on as our lives and relationships evolve and develop. Beyond understanding, therapy’s intent is to support and prompt change and to help you sort through these challenges in your own unique way. Collaboration will guide our work together. I am an interactive, direct and reflective therapist who brings curiosity, humor and respect for the complexity of the issues individuals face. Change is difficult to achieve; my job is to help you utilize and build your resources to accomplish the goals you seek. Having over 30 years of clinical experience offers strategies and tools to share.

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!

Navigating OCD, anxiety, relationships, and life transitions can be emotionally and physically draining. There is little more frustrating than thinking and behaving in the same ways despite knowing they contribute to these issues and other debilitating symptoms. Therapy is a place to safely explore the thoughts, behaviors, and relationships that are interfering with living a more fulfilling and rewarding life. I am a trained OCD specialist and an active member of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF). I have extensive experience working with college undergrad and graduate students from my time as a counselor at the University of Colorado, Boulder and at Bryant University. Working directly on a college campus has provided me with a unique understanding of the intersection between academics and mental health, as well as how to navigate many campus systems best. Currently, in my private practice, I work with college students from the many different colleges in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Colorado. The majority of clients that I work with are navigating Anxiety or OCD and Related Disorders. My clinical approach to therapy is grounded in ERP, ACT, and CBT. I believe therapy is built around compassion, respect, and trust. I look forward to connecting with you and exploring how we can collaboratively achieve your treatment goals. Send me an email, give me a call, or visit my website (www.smithlicsw.com) to set up an appointment. If you are struggling and are tired of trying to handle things alone, please do not hesitate to get in touch. * I provide telehealth services to clients in Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, Illinois, Vermont, and Colorado.*

Ground & Growth PLLC is a private psychiatric practice founded by Stephanie Etienne, MSN, BSN, RN, PMHNP-BC, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over six years of clinical experience. We provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health care rooted in one simple belief: Every patient deserves to be met where they are. Our Services Include: → Comprehensive psychiatric evaluations → Medication management → Individualized, holistic treatment planning We are committed to delivering the kind of care experience every patient deserves—personalized, supportive, and grounded in real-world practice.

Welcome! College years can be challenging, but should also be a fun and exciting time of growth and adventure. If you are overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, down, stressed-out, lost, or alone, pursuing therapy is one of the best choices you can make. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with almost 25 years of experience in the mental health field. My specialty and passion is helping people reclaim their lives from anxiety. I also work daily with a range of other mental health struggles and life challenges, including grief and loss, trauma, ADHD, depression, academic stress, substance use, and relationships. If you are wondering whether now is the right time for therapy, the answer is probably “yes.” You start to feel different when you do things differently. I can offer you a non-judgmental, creative space with fresh ideas and hope for your future. You can show up just as you are and I will listen whole-heartedly to your story. We will work together to change old habits, find new ways of thinking, confront your fears, learn powerful skills, build meaningful connections, and take action. If you are seeking an experienced therapist with a warm, relaxed style, you will likely feel at ease with me.

Using compassionate listening with active questioning I help you explore the areas you are struggling in and creatively find solutions. Borrowing from my work with clients over the years, and my own life experiences, I share anecodotes, humor and practical advice to help you find your authentic self and the contentment and happiness we all strive for. You will find me active, thoughtful, caring and engaging. I love my work and the opportunity to help others move forward in their lives.

I specialize in working with people presenting with mood and anxiety disorders seeking symptom reduction and healthy coping skills and also insight into their mental health challenges.I also work with people of all ages on the Autism Spectrum as well as their families. My overall approach is to set goals to improve daily life while simultaneously working on context and background that may be contributing to today's challenges. People benefit from all different kinds of therapy models. I often get feedback that my approach is more directive and actively engaged than other providers. You can also learn more about me on my website and Psychology Today profile. https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1400560

I respond to everyone who makes an inquiry. College and grad school can be incredibly stressful in the best of circumstances, and there is always something... extra. :) I see lots of students and have helped them find peace with social or academic pressure, present or past family problems and new or re-surfacing mental health issues. I am low-key and easy to talk to, with a dry sense of humor. I will quickly understand and help with the issue you want to address, not tell you what I think you should change. I want you to be able to talk about what really matters, feel understood and seen, and become the person you want to be. Over my 25 years in the field I have worked with a wide diversity of people. Not much surprises me, and I’m very nonjudgmental. I have worked to understand racism and oppression, and poverty, and violence, and am also aware I still have a lot to learn. My clinical social work education was in traditional psychodynamic therapy with a strong social justice awareness. I have worked in multicultural and multilingual settings most of my career. I have certificates in the treatment of trauma and also in psychoanalytic studies. I am now training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and like how non-judgmental it is. My approach is eclectic, and has evolved over the years to be flexible and practical, tuning in to what will be helpful and effective for you. I like to work with young adults, parents, and students, and here are some areas in which I’ve helped people: -Childhood experiences that bother people or create difficulties -Anxiety -Young adulthood/ leaving home adjustment -Immigrant/ first generation acculturation, and adjustment to college -Substance use questions or problems, including historical family issues -Relationships and sexuality, including non-traditional situations -Grief, even about secrets -LGBTQIA+ concerns and family issues -Workplace challenges -Parenting, adjustment to becoming a parent -Depression Our first couple meetings would focus on whether what I have to offer is a good fit for you. I can work in a solution-focused way for just a few meetings, or longer-term. I wish you the best!

I am a staff psychologist at Massachusetts General Hospital and faculty member at Harvard Medical School. I provide individual therapy for adults and have experience working with a wide variety of presenting concerns, including mood disorders, anxiety, and trauma. My goal is to create a warm and genuinely accepting environment in order for you to feel comfortable collaborating with me to tackle your stressors together. I generally utilize a cognitive-behavioral approach (CBT), integrating other evidence-based theoretical orientations as needed to provide personalized treatment based on your needs and preferences. I prioritize using strengths-based, trauma-informed, multiculturally sensitive methodology. Effective therapy begins with a strong therapeutic relationship between the client and the therapist. Please reach out so I can support you on your journey. If I am not the right fit for you, I am happy to give you referrals so you can find the best therapist for you!

• 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

Hi! I’m Stephanie, a mental health counselor specializing in supporting college students and other young adults as they navigate the complexities of transitioning into adulthood. With experience working with anxiety, depression, substance abuse and trauma treatment, I aim to create a safe, compassionate space for students to explore their challenges and develop effective coping strategies. I offer a holistic perspective informed by mindfulness practices and somatic work, and I am also certified in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which enables me to provide effective, evidence-based support tailored to each individual. Whether you are looking for concrete skills to manage stress or a safe place to work through emotional challenges and explore new perspectives, my goal is to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs, preferences and style. I currently am accepting only telehealth clients, but will be open for in-person appointments in South Natick starting in February 2025. Please feel free to reach out for a free 15 minute consultation to see if we would be a good fit.