Therapists for college students near Boston, MA
John Schatzel, LICSW - President/Clinical Director I approach all clients where they are and look to develop treatment goals around the concept of a life worth living. I have received my training from the Massachusetts Mental Health Center, a Harvard Medical School Training Facility, during the course of my clinical training. There I worked in conjunction with a multidisciplinary team to assess, collaborate, and treat clients needs. During my time spent at the Massachusetts Mental Health Center and, through other professional roles, I have been able to work with the following clinical populations: Major Mental Illness, Substance Abuse, Co-Occurring Disorders, Personality Disorders, Mood Disorders, Phobic Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Trauma, Eating Disorders, Problematic Sexual Behavior, and Disorders of Identity. As a result of my work with these populations I have received specialized training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which are change oriented, evidence based approaches which are highly effective in regards to the treatment of Trauma and the change of problematic behaviors. These modalities both teach and reinforce coping skills across various domains including: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Interpersonal Effectiveness, and Emotional Regulation. In addition to working with clients directly, I have been involved in research, publications, licensing, and program development. I was a granted researcher for the publication Desistance from Sexual Offending: Narratives of Retirement, Regulation and Recovery (Palgrave Studies in Risk, Crime and Society) in addition to being a chapter editor for All About Anxiety: An Introductory Guide to Neuroscience, Assessment, and Intervention. Ruolin Xie, LICSW - Individual Therapist Ruolin is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with a Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) from Washington University in St. Louis. With years of experience working with culturally diverse populations at both the individual outpatient level and through In-home Therapy, Ruolin has developed expertise in supporting individuals and families to restabilize and recover from various mental and behavioral difficulties. She is currently practicing with Schatzel Counseling Group, PC. These include disorders such as depression and anxiety, PTSD, Developmental Trauma/Complex PTSD, ADHD, Grief, LGBT-related challenges, interpersonal struggles, relationship conflicts, parenting hardship, and Culture Adjustment. Ruolin practices a client-centered, trauma-informed, and integrative clinical philosophy to meet the individual needs of her clients She is proficient in evidence-based clinical models of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Motivational Interviewing, Emotion-focused Therapy (EFT), and Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction. As a multi-lingual practitioner, Ruolin speaks fluent English, Mandarin Chinese, and Cantonese. Ashlee Ludwig, LICSW - Individual Therapist Hi, I’m Ashlee Ludwig, LICSW. I hold a Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and bring a wealth of experience working with diverse populations. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals, families, and groups through various challenges, from mental health issues to life transitions and trauma. My approach is deeply rooted in empathy and respect for each person’s unique story and background. I strive to create a safe, collaborative space where we can work together towards meaningful change. With a combination of evidence-based practices and a genuine understanding of cultural and personal differences, I’m dedicated to helping you find your path to well-being. Populations: Age: 18+ Dx: Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment, SUD, OCD Jacquelyn Heavey, LICSW - Individual Therapist I am a licensed individual clinical social worker and school adjustment counselor with experience in school, medical, residential and community agency settings. I believe in building positive, respectful client-therapist relationships and providing a safe, supportive environment for clients to explore their therapeutic needs and goals. My approach is nonjudgmental, collaborative and gentle. I have over ten years of experience in the human services field, a background in expressive arts, and utilize aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy and Play Therapy in my practice. I am passionate about social-emotional growth and embracing individuality. Some of my areas of interest include Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability, Prenatal and Postpartum health and social struggles. Jackie practices at our Topsfield, Ma location. Davida Raftery, LICSW - Individual Therapist My name is Davida Raftery, I am a LICSW therapist. I graduated and received my MSW degree from Columbia University. I have over 20 years of experience working in direct care, treating but not limited to anxiety, depression, obsessive thinking (OCD), stress management, grief, trauma (including parentification trauma) PTSD, life transitions and relationship issues. I have experience in working in both outpatient and inpatient settings. My treatment approach is based on treating symptoms for individual needs. I do in person therapy in our Topsfield office, easily accessible to clients in the North Shore area. Charles Kim, LMHC - Individual Therapist Life is difficult. Unless you are an old soul, choices surrounding identity, self worth and acceptance, relationships/finding connection, and career choice are often painful and confusing. Even in the best of circumstances and family support, we are left with well meaning advice and our own limited self-understanding to guide choices that will affect the next season of life. I have over a decade of experience in residential and college counseling settings helping clients to explore their past to understand the motivations and traumas that led then to where they are and what if anything they want to change going forward. Clinically, I work with clients seeking to treat their depression, anxiety, relationship/career issues, and other areas of distress. I use a client centered, humanist/existential style to explore current distress while integrating behavioral interventions (TF-CBT, DBT) and classic insight oriented exploration. I offer a safe space to look at oneself gently. I believe true spiritual/personal growth is demonstrated in learning how to treat ourselves the way we treat our friends and those we love. If you're looking for a space to grow that part of yourself or to begin treatment for a long ignored pain/injury, please reach out for a free 15 minute consultation. I wish you all the best. Katie Duggan, MS - Individual Therapist As a dedicated mental health clinician with a focus on children and young adults, I am passionate about helping individuals navigate the intricate interplay between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. With a foundation in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) complemented by person-centered and psychoanalytic approaches, I strive to create a safe and supportive space where clients can feel heard and understood. My therapeutic philosophy centers on the belief that therapy should be a collaborative journey, where individuals feel empowered to explore their innermost thoughts and emotions in a non-judgmental environment. I view therapy as an invaluable outlet for self-exploration and growth, guiding clients towards healthier ways of coping and living authentically. I am committed to fostering a therapeutic relationship built on trust, empathy, and respect, as I firmly believe that every individual deserves to feel validated and supported on their path towards healing and self-discovery. Deanna Maher, LCSW - Individual Therapist Deanna earned her MSW from Bridgewater State University and undergraduate degree in psychology from Boston University. Having worked in a variety of settings including partial hospitalization programs, corrections, and crisis response, she has experience in supporting adults with a diverse range of needs including anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, and substance use. Deanna uses a trauma-informed approach with empathy and compassion to assist individuals in deepening understanding of their experiences and learning tools to enact change. Deanna uses a range of interventions best suited for each individual, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and solution-focused treatments to assist clients. Populations: Adults (anyone 18+) and especially enjoy working with young adults. In terms of presenting issues/diagnoses I am most interested in symptoms related to trauma or anxiety. I also have experience with mood disorders and substance use disorders as well. Catelin McCarriston, LCSW - Individual Therapist Catelin McCarriston is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She holds a B.S. in Psychology, B.A. in Philosophy, and a Masters in Social Work from Simmons University. As a school social worker in the Greater Boston area, she provided one-on-one counseling for students and conducted groups around mindfulness and stress reduction as well as intersectionality and belonging with LGBTQ+ youth. Catelin also worked with The Home for Little Wanderers as a child and family therapist. She is currently the Director of Programming and Training at Minding Your Mind, a mental health education and suicide prevention non-profit. Catelin uses a strength-based perspective and trauma-informed lens to meet clients where they are, utilizing models of CBT, DBT, IFS, and Narrative Therapy. She is passionate about working with LGBTQ+ folks and those struggling with identity, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Lexi Galuska, LCSW - Individual Therapist Lexi is a licensed certified social worker (LCSW) with a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Boston College. Experienced with youth, adolescent, and young adult populations, Lexi specializes in addressing a range of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, adjustment concerns, and relationship issues. She has experience treating co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders, honed through practice in intensive outpatient and residential treatment centers. Lexi is deeply committed to offering compassionate, person-centered care, ensuring each client receives tailored treatment aligned with their unique needs and circumstances. Utilizing evidence-based modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and solutions-focused approaches, Lexi empowers her clients to achieve meaningful change and build resilience in their lives. With her warmth, expertise, and unwavering dedication, she guides individuals on their journey towards healing and personal growth.
Hi there--I'm a board certified psychiatrist in Newton, MA who offers weekly therapy +/- medications when clinically indicated. I'm warm, personable, and collaborative. My goal is to work towards a place where you feel more satisfaction, meaning, and contentment in your life. I am happy to meet in person, over video, or a hybrid. Please reach out if you're interested in working together!
I work with college-aged adults and adults experiencing depression, anxiety, interpersonal / family conflicts, stress, and others issues that can arise following trauma. My style is flexible, utilizing a relational, insight-oriented approach, and incorporating behavior modification strategies and mindfulness. I consider what will be most helpful and effective for the client. If my approach seems like it would be a good fit for you or, you’d like to learn more about my practice, please call or email me.
I work with adults who primarily struggle with memory and concentration problems related to ADHD, depression/anxiety, traumatic brain injury etc. in my practice in Boston. I have a structured, problem-solving approach to treatment that focuses on organization and practical skills to manage symptoms. However, each person I work with is different and therefore each treatment plan is tailored to them and their needs. For ADHD in particular, a combination of medications and therapy is the most effective in treating ADHD. Your sessions with me: 1. During your first session, I just want to get to know you better. From this initial session, I can provide you feedback about what is the primary cause of some of your attention/memory difficulties that impact your day to day abilities. 2. One focus would be to implement structure, and routine. I can help provide this external structure by helping you utilize a planner to schedule ahead and manage time, make realistic and reasonable goals to maximize success, and organize aspects of your life. I will also teach you practical memory strategies and ways you can easily retain information. 3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which involves changing negative thinking patterns and behaviors is also found to be effective in treating ADHD. CBT helps “slow down” your thinking so you can reflect on what prevents you from making those deadlines, reduce impulsive behaviors, and learn problem solving skills that can make a difference in work, school, and or personal relationships. 4. Mindfulness exercises involve paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and physiological sensations so you can be present in the moment. With practice, you can train you brain to sustain attention.
I believe personal growth and healing can come from a strong therapeutic alliance. Change and recovery are possible. I promise to provide a trusting, open environment where you will feel seen, understood, and accepted as you are. My approach is genuine, creative, and curious. I strive to help you recognize beliefs that are holding you back, more effectively face struggles in your life, and learn skills to develop healthier relationships and a more meaningful life. In the end, the larger goal is to make you a better ally to yourself. Over the years, I’ve worked primarily with adults and adolescents with depression, anxiety, and trauma and have extensive experience working with identity issues and major life transitions. My clients have experienced challenges with their friendships and family relationships, gender and sexual identity, schooling and careers, parenting and caregiving, and illness and loss. I draw on diverse therapeutic approaches including mindfulness, family systems theory, Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and DBT. It takes great courage to face what Yeats described as the “dark corners” of one’s soul. I welcome the opportunity to meet you and support your exploration and self-discovery.
Lumin Health is a psychiatrist-led mental health organizations serving young adults who feel stuck with depression and anxiety despite efforts with traditional methods. We provide two evidence-based options: esketamine (Spravato) — an FDA-approved, insurance-covered treatment — and ketamine therapy delivered in a carefully monitored setting. Each session happens in a private room with vitals tracked, standard two-hour observation, and a ride-home requirement to keep you safe. You set the pace; our team provides steadiness.   Access matters, especially for students and early-career adults. Spravato treatment is insurance-covered at Lumin Health; we accept Medicare and most major plans in Massachusetts (Aetna, Anthem, BCBS, Cigna, Evernorth, Harvard Pilgrim, Optum, Point32Health, Tufts, United Healthcare). Our team handles prior authorizations and coordination so you’re not navigating forms between classes or shifts. Out-of-pocket costs typically range from $10 to $25, which is meaningful when the treatment typically costs $500+. Care is local and predictable: clinics in Woburn, Brookline, Newton, and Cambridge Massachusetts, flexible scheduling, and collaborative communication with your current therapist or prescriber. That structure helps ketamine treatment fit real life — exams, internships, family demands — rather than the other way around.  Many young adults describe ketamine for depression as creating a window where rumination eases and possibilities feel closer. Spravato and ketamine treatment don’t cure depression, but they may offer rapid relief for some and a safer way to do deeper work with psychotherapy or behavioral support. What matters most is what feels possible to you now. If you’re exploring ketamine therapy or Spravato, Lumin Health will meet you with clarity, agency, and insurance-savvy support. 
I have worked with college students struggling with a wide range of difficulties and acuity over the past decade plus, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship difficulties. I have a casual yet professional style, and prioritize creating a warm, non-judgmental space where clients can increase awareness of their emotional and relational patterns. I pull from several orientations, including psychodynamic/relational, emotion-focused, CBT, acceptance-based, and compassion-based approaches in order to make sense of your difficulties with you and to identify ways to change, or as is the case in the many situations that we can’t change, learn to relate to it differently. My clients express appreciation for my transparent, collaborative, compassionate, and well-informed approach. I am interested and have experience in working with clients from diverse backgrounds, including racial and ethnic minorities. I try to understand clients in context and I seek to bring in societal issues and -isms to understand clients experiences in the world. I am open to talking about my own identity and position in society. I have openings for telehealth clients located in Massachusetts, NC, or any participating Psypact state. I accept Aetna in MA. I accept Aetna and BCBS in NC. Please email me if you would like to schedule a free initial call to answer any questions and assess whether we may be a good match.
**Currently accepting clients for Summer 2024 as of May 2024!** I work with students on all major non-emergent concerns, but I am particularly passionate about concerns around identity development. This is a broad area and includes working through gender or sexuality, what you want to "do" with your life in terms of career or relationships, how you might change patterns you see in your life to be more in alignment with the person you'd like to be, and more. I work with neurodivergent students to better set up their lives to meet their needs. Students might come in to discuss depression, anxiety, drug or alcohol use, or relationships with friends, family, or intimate partners. My goal is always to create a creative and safe environment for you to come closer to achieving what you have set out for yourself. My approach is collaborative and client-centered. I aim to be affirming of all races, sexes and genders, body sizes, religions, and more, with the understanding that I cannot be an expert in lived experiences that are not my own. I offer a free 15 minute consultation call to see if we are a good match for each other. Reach out and we can talk to see if we will be a good fit.
Center Psychotherapy is a group mental health practice located in Winchester and Arlington, Massachusetts that specializes in trauma treatment. We are committed to providing quality and expert mental health treatment using a humanist, client-centered approach to therapy. Our clinicians recognize that successful treatment varies with individual needs, strengths, and personal client preferences. We strive to work with you to develop treatment plans and therapeutic interventions that recognize strengths, not just symptom expression. Our therapists are trained in many modalities and will collaborate with you to find the best approach. Examples of our offered services include Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, EMDR, Somatic Resourcing, Art Therapy, Play Therapy, and Mindfulness. We work from a client-centered approach and offer the modality most suited to the individual, not the presenting symptoms.
As our name implies we uniquely aim to provide an array of mental health services to everyone in need.Please feel free to reach. Let's talk!
Melanie's work at Upwards 'N' Onwards work is focused around empowering and assisting individuals managing every day life struggles to facilitate change and acceptance during difficult times. Melanie works with individuals, couples and families and facilitates anger and stress management groups. Melanie advocates for individuals who are underserved and continues to work tirelessly to ensure that those who present for help receive fair and equitable treatment despite their backgrounds.
I'm a clinical psychologist, and I see college students and adults in my office in Belmont Center and via telehealth. I see people with a variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and trauma. In addition, I run dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills training groups for college students, and for young adults in their 20s and 30s, to learn and practice new coping skills. I trained at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School and I'm currently affiliated with Brigham and Women's Hospital. Overall my goal as a therapist is to work collaboratively to expand your self-understanding and support you in developing new strategies to relieve suffering, improve relationships, and build a life that feels meaningful to you. I offer a free 15 minute introductory phone call. I'm happy to talk with anyone who may be interested in learning more about my practice and seeing if we might be a good fit.
I’m passionate about helping individuals create a life that feels authentic and fulfilling. With a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Utah, I’m currently completing my Master of Social Work (MSW) at Simmons University. I work under the guidance of Sarah Murphy, an experienced counselor, to provide compassionate and effective support to my clients. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing Depression, Anxiety, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). I also have a strong interest in supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community, and I am committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your feelings and challenges. I believe that therapy should be a collaborative process, and my goal is to help you develop the tools you need to navigate life’s difficulties, improve your mental well-being, and build a life that feels true to you. If you’re ready to take the next step in your journey toward healing and growth, I would love to work with you!
I have extensive experience with students, especially with those pursuing their doctorates. My specialties includes anxiety, depression, all kinds of relationships (family, friend, romantic, work. etc.), grief/loss, ADHD, and trauma history. My style is interactive, warm, non-judgmental and strengths-based. Please feel welcome to get in touch about any questions or to meet briefly.
For more than 20 years, I have provided therapy to individuals, couples and groups, as well as offering training, consultation and clinical supervision to community organizations. My work centers around bridging transitions, fostering personal growth and developing compassionate responses and strategies to address life’s challenges. In addition to providing support and encouragement, I will challenge you to think critically about the choices you are making and to work toward overcoming the obstacles that may be keeping you from achieving your goals. Whether you’re trying to learn something new, working on making a transition, or building your support network, you have a lot of choice about how and with whom you work on achieving your goals. There are therapists and other service providers to appeal to everyone’s personal style. Taking the time to find a professional who is not only credentialed, but who has an approach or philosophy that resonates with you is an important first step. My approach to everything that I do is to be as real as I can be. Whether I’m working with an individual in a therapy session, presenting to a large audience or collaborating on a community project, I’ve never been someone who is good at faking it. What you see is what you get. I hold myself to the same standards to which I hold my clients—authenticity and honesty are essential. I provide my clients with an accurate reflection of what I see and a professional assessment of how they might do things differently. I will challenge you to think critically about the choices you make and the impact those choices are having on your life. I rely heavily on resources that foster creativity and humor. I don’t rely on gimmicks or hidden agendas—if I’ve got information or tools that will help you, I will share them with you and encourage you to make them your own. As a therapist, I work hard to be flexible and responsive to the needs of my clients. There may be times when you feel you need more encouragement and support and less constructive feedback. Other times you may find that confronting an issue head-on feels more productive. I will encourage both of us to be patient with the process and to pay close attention to progress so that we can make adjustments throughout our work together. My areas of expertise include: mindfulness and meditation; strategies for coping with depression and anxiety; issues around sexuality, sexual functioning and relationships; sexual and gender identity; social skills; trauma; grief; substance use; attention training and living with uncertainty and change. To find out more about me, check out my website at www.jennbrandel.com, or call me to set up an initial consultation to see if we may be able to work together effectively.
Psychotherapist Dr. Jean Rahbar has been working therapeutically with adolescents, adults and couples for the past 15 years. Providing a therapeutic space where clients' feel safe, experiencing the therapist as someone of whom can be trusted with the clients' thoughts, feelings and goals are of the utmost importance to Dr. Rahbar. From the moment you meet this highly analytical and insightful professional, clients experience her compassion, care, warmth, genuine interest, support and understanding. Dr. Rahbar's background is in Psychoanalysis. Additionally she tailors her therapeutic style based on the needs of the clientele she serves including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Systems Theory, Psychodynamic Therapy, Ego Psychology, Motivational Therapy, and Solution Focused Counseling. Dr. Rahbar holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University, Masters in Psychoanalysis, as well as a doctorate in Psychoanalysis and Culture from the Boston Graduate school of Psychoanalysis. She is also a former Division I rower, a mother of two and is a vinyasa flow yoga enthusiast. It is her pleasure to learn from each person she encounters.
I have trained in college counseling, community and hospital settings and specialize in treatment interventions tailored to the needs of college-age students. I offer a flexible approach to psychotherapy including both an appreciation for how past experiences shape the present while also incorporating coping strategies to manage and change every day life in the short-term.
I specialize in treating adolescents and college-aged students, millenials, as well as older adults with complex living issues. My job is to create a safe place where individuals and couples can explore current or long-standing problems and find realistic solutions. A significant part of this work involves carefully and mutually developing an appreciation of people's actual qualities and circumstances as the basis for realistic growth. I work with people in crisis or who sense they have patterns of living that could benefit from an experienced partner to help facilitate their desired change. I have received training in motivational interviewing, solutions focused therapy, trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy, descriptive psychology-informed psychotherapy and I specialize in treating depression and other mood disorders, anxiety and panic related issues, ADHD and addictive disorders.