Therapists for college students near 02139

I have 25 years of experience and have worked as a therapist at MIT since 2018. I also now see adults in a small private practice where I prioritize in-person sessions. I enjoy helping people both to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and to gain practical strategies to move forward in ways that feel intentional, authentic, and empowering. My approach to therapy draws from insight-oriented, mindfulness-based, and skill-building perspectives and is individualized to your needs and goals. I work collaboratively to support you in being able to connect authentically. If you think my experience and approach could be a good fit for you, please reach out. I'd be happy to connect with you.

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.

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.

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!

I have training and experience in treating a variety of psychological problems, and I specialize in treating anxiety and OCD. I have specialized training in the most modern psychological treatments that are supported by research evidence. My style is warm and collaborative; I am dedicated to understanding your experience and helping you make changes that are important to you. My approach to therapy is most closely aligned with a form of cognitive behavioral therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which uses mindfulness and acceptance strategies as well as behavior change strategies to help you become more actively engaged in your life. In addition to private practice, I have an appointment at Harvard Medical School, am on staff at Brigham and Women's Hospital where I maintain an OCD and anxiety specialty clinic and am involved in clinical research.

My aim as a therapist is to help clients resolve the problem they are experiencing in their lives. I offer a safe environment for clients to express themselves, gain a sense mastery and autonomy through talking and increasing strategies and skills to better cope and thrive in life. My clinical approach is to tailor care to clients’ individual needs- integrating an array of approaches and training experience such as insight-oriented methods, cognitive behavioral techniques, trauma informed treatment, mindfulness-based care, and addiction and substance use disorders treatment. My education includes a Master’s in social work (MSW) from Rutgers University( with Minor in Alcohol Studies) and a Bachelor of Liberal Arts (BA) from the University of New Hampshire( English Literature/Minor in Psychology.) My professional experience includes university counseling- most recently at Harvard University 's Counseling and Mental Health services where I work for 16 years supporting college and graduate students, and previously in NIAAA/NIDA research studies, community mental health, hospital based social work, clinical director of inpatient /outpatient program, employee assistance. Clients describe me as a good listener, empathetic, compassionate, a good sense of humor and a firm believer in change.

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!

Many people struggle with various aspects of their lives, be it identity, relationships, work/school, or past experiences that affect how they feel and navigate the world. I work with many young adults who may seem high functioning at first glance but struggle with depression, anxiety, stress, or other emotional issues. I have particular experience supporting Asians and Asian Americans and other BIPOC people navigating issues of race, identity and culture. Talk therapy and medications can be a powerful way to help people process, make sense of, and change these patterns that hold them back from living the life they want.

College is a stressful time full of academic demands and social obligations, and everyone needs a space where they can focus on themselves. Clients that work with me are often experiencing big life changes, may be showing signs of stress and burnout, or might be noticing challenges popping up in their relationships. I work to form a strong therapeutic relationship with clients in which they can feel comfortable openly expressing their emotions, work through challenges, or just learn more about who they are. I welcome any client who is looking for a therapeutic space of their own, whether they have years of therapy under their belt or are reaching out for the first time!

With life becoming increasingly demanding, it can feel like we are always battling on a new frontier. We do not, however, have to power through it alone! Whether it’s with relationships, family, jobs, college, new cultural environments or even ourselves, I aim to support my clients with recognizing and managing the emotional impact that life’s torrent of changes has on us all. My therapeutic approach is to create an accepting relationship so sessions can be a comfortable and judgment free zone. I have experience working with diverse populations holding diagnoses of anxiety, mood disorders, trauma and PTSD, ADHD, and attachment barriers. I utilize a broad range of treatment modalities that are tailored to suit your unique needs and support the goals you set. I believe the therapeutic journey is about your experiences and goals, and my role is supporting you in that process of exploration, development and discovery. I look forward to using a strengths-based approach to collaborate with you in a safe environment toward taking those first few steps together.

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.

Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, OCD, porn addiction, or other recurring patterns that leave you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or discouraged? If so, please know there is hope. I help individuals break free from cycles of anxiety, unhealthy habits, emotional exhaustion. As a Christian, I thoughtfully integrate faith with evidence-based therapy to support healing and growth when desired. Together, we’ll work toward meaningful, lasting change so you can gain clarity, build healthier patterns, strengthen emotional resilience, improve relationships, and experience greater peace and purpose in everyday life. With 5 years of clinical experience, I help individuals navigate anxiety, unhealthy patterns, emotional distress, and faith-related concerns using CBT, mindfulness, and parts work. My approach is warm, collaborative, and goal-oriented, helping clients better understand themselves and create meaningful, lasting change. You do not have to navigate this alone. Therapy can be a place to slow down, process honestly, and begin making meaningful changes at a manageable pace. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, unhealthy patterns, or faith-related challenges, healing and growth are possible. I invite you to reach out when you’re ready.

I work with individuals of all ages who are struggling with anxiety, phobias, obsessions and compulsions, or posttraumatic symptoms. Guided by a client’s individual circumstances, I integrate a variety of therapeutic techniques, though I specialize in the use of short-term exposure response prevention therapy.

Hello! I help clients seeking to become “unstuck,” to meet new challenges, and to navigate relationships and emotions. I help individuals with anxiety, relationships, stress management, self-esteem, and decision making. I primarily use techniques based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and I incorporate mindfulness practices if they appeal to the client. I am non-judgmental, warm, and active. I will strive to develop a nuanced understanding and appreciation of your values, needs, and struggles. We will clarify obstacles, evaluate coping strategies, identify personally meaningful goals, and develop skills necessary for a path forward. I have extensive experience with young adults, including those who are in undergraduate, graduate, and early career stages. I understand the unique challenges that this life stage presents and support clients as they navigate their identity, education, careers, and relationships. I also support young adults with time management, organizational skills, goal-setting, and planning. Please reach out for a consultation and to learn about working together.

Accepting new patients.....It is through therapy that we come to understand how our experiences make our lives meaningful. Choosing a therapist isn't an easy task; I hope sharing my perspective helps. Over the last decade I have worked at universities, elementary schools, rehabilitation centers and group homes with children and adults from 7-70. These experiences have shown me that the right environment activates our innate capacity to mature and thrive. Therapy is not about "fixing" someone, it's about creating a space that supports growth. My approach embraces the power of personality to facilitate change. Through active listening, I acknowledge the impact of personal experiences and encourage exploration. Like exercising - regular, creative dialogue yields new strengths and abilities. In this way, individuals find their own solutions that are often more personalized than CBT. As you search for a therapist, consider me - I think you'll find me accessible, pragmatic, and insightful.

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.*

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

When challenges in life become overwhelmingly difficult, it can sometimes feel impossible to overcome them alone. Whether it be anxiety, stress, problematic relationships, or a blurred sense of identity, I am here to help. My goal is to provide a safe and comfortable space that will allow you to discuss and work through your problems without judgment. My approach to therapy is to provide empathic understanding, authenticity, and acceptance to collaboratively address your concerns! I have experience working with a wide variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, acute stress, and relationships. I am passionate about providing empathic and compassionate care to all individuals and couples who need support in working through their problems. My care is trauma-informed and inclusive of all aspects of diversity and difference. It is completely okay to not feel okay. Reaching out for help may be the first step in getting the support needed to reach your goals!

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.