Therapists for college students near Cambridge, MA

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.

Join me in a collaborative focus on your mental health, designed to build resilience, improve the quality of life, and increase self-acceptance. I work with adults and young adults in individual psychotherapy on a short or long-term basis. I have a background in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy. I treat a range of presenting concerns, including relationship stress, life transitions, depression, anxiety, and trauma. I have experience in college mental health, early intervention in mental illness, and family therapy. I have a special interest in issues of diversity and inclusion, and exploring an individual’s unique relationship to a variety of their own personal intersecting identities.

Dr. Shelby Ortega is a clinical psychologist serving the North Shore and Metro Boston areas via Cambridge and Salem office locations. My approach is one characterized by warmth, humor, and the welcoming of diverse experiences, identities, and perspectives. I believe in tailoring the treatment to the unique needs of my clients and providing a safe space that is equally supportive and challenging. I offer individual psychotherapy for adolescents and adults, as well as couples therapy, clinical supervision, and consultation services. I enjoy working with people from all walks of life, and make every effort to help those I work with feel welcomed, engaged, supported, and respected. I work to provide a safe therapeutic frame that is inclusive of social and cultural context, and therefore, welcome discussions of issues related to oppression, privilege, and of course, intersectionality of complex identity statuses. My private practice work is enriched by my academic scholarship and teaching experiences. I believe this work is an asset to my role as a practitioner and I work to extend this benefit to the patients I serve. My specific interests and areas of expertise include the following: Anxiety, Depression and Mood Disorders Relationship and Intimacy Difficulties Identity Exploration Recovery from Trauma and Loss I have extensive training in multicultural mental health, identity development, adult attachment relationships and intimacy, and have also completed two fellowships in psychodynamic psychotherapy at Harvard Medical School. Presently, I serve as a Teaching Associate in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, a Psychological and Educational Consultant with Jernigan & Associates, LLC, and as an Advisory Board Member for the Psychology Department at Regis College.

Marisa Anderson is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who has recently started work at Crooked Tree after many years of experience working with adolescents and adults in outpatient agencies within the Boston area. In her work with clients, Marisa incorporates both strength-based and cognitive behavioral therapies to help facilitate and support a better sense of self, healthy relationships, and stress management skills. Currently, Marisa also works as a school clinician at Beacon High School in Watertown. Marisa received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University.

What I love most about my work is walking alongside people as they navigate life’s most difficult moments — grief, major life transitions, caregiving, serious illness, or the stress and uncertainty that comes with change. Life transitions can reshape how we understand ourselves, our relationships, and our future. Big changes — divorce, moving, career shifts, chronic illness, or the death of someone you love — can leave you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to move forward. Therapy is not about “moving on” or “getting over” your grief or stress. It’s about learning how to carry life’s challenges while honoring your story. I specialize in relational therapy that helps individuals, parents, and families make sense of the grief, stress, and anxiety that often comes with life transitions, while building on your inherent strengths to achieve your goals. I use principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to build practical skills for coping and managing difficult emotions. I strive to be an authentic, warm, and honest therapist that brings empathy, understanding, and a little lightness to healing. Please feel welcome to reach out for an initial phone consultation - I would love to see if we’re a good fit.

Are you an anxious over thinker navigating relationships or a new career? Are you a people pleaser or highly self critical? I'm Aisling, a licensed therapist specializing in supporting women and adolescents dealing with anxiety, navigating life transitions, and healing from trauma. I hope to provide a space to explore all of those challenges with compassion, sensitivity, and sometimes humor. I view this work as the most important thing I could possibly be doing and I hope each client leaves this space feeling hopeful about themselves and the world around them. I work with adolescents and women to navigate a spectrum of anxiety disorders. In particular, I know how debilitating high functioning anxiety and perfectionism can be. I offer a place to explore the root of the anxiety, people pleasing behaviors, and develop healthy coping skills. I want to empower clients and help them see their own strengths.

Finding a good therapy match is crucial to bringing about the change that you desire in your life. Working with someone where you feel seen, understood and challenged in a non-threatening way creates the safety to explore the unknown and grow into your full potential. I have been in private practice for 16 years and I trained and worked at Tufts University Counseling Center for 4 years. In the wise words of author Sharon Salzberg, "If I opened my heart and mind big enough to take in the suffering, then there would be healing- not because the suffering itself is redemptive or healing, but because of the opening I was cultivating in the face of it."

My name is Jeff Kerner and I practice outpatient psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital, where I serve on the faculty of Harvard Medical School. I recently opened a private outpatient practice to expand my availability outside the MGH system. I believe strongly in a patient-centered approach to developing a comprehensive and individualized mental health treatment plan that often includes medication management, therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Please reach out if you have concerns about your mental health.

I have immediate availability in my schedule! I love to help my clients gain insight into their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, build new skills, and use that enhanced self-awareness and skill to make meaningful changes in their lives. I take a strengths-based and collaborative approach that draws from a range of therapeutic modalities and is responsive to your needs and desires. I aim to bring warmth, humor, and authenticity to the therapeutic relationship. I love to work with college students and am a former counselor for the non-profit Bottom Line, where I supported first generation college students through any and all challenges that arose on their journey towards graduation and career readiness. I also enjoy working with people who are anywhere on their journey towards becoming parents or who are searching for greater wellness as parents.

I’m Colleen Madden, PMHNP, specializing in medication management for college students. Whether it’s ADHD, anxiety, or mood concerns, I’ll help you find the right support—without judgment and with your busy schedule in mind. Virtual visits. Afternoon and evening hours available. A safe, understanding space to help you feel like yourself again.

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.

Ana welcomes students ages 18 and older of all backgrounds and all identities including LGBTQIA+ to feel supported in individual therapy. She uses a trauma-informed approach and specializes in using mindfulness, meditation, yoga, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR). Ana creates a sacred space in therapy for people to be seen and heard for who they truly are. You'll be greeted with respect, empathy and support. Whether you are coping with anxiety, depression or sleep issues, perhaps going through a relationship transition or want to set boundaries with a loved one, or are learning better self care strategies, there is always help and hope available. Ana Baumgart Schreck trained at Boston University in 2013 to become a social worker and therapist.

Welcome, and thanks for looking! I'm excited to begin your counseling journey with you. My role as your therapist will be to not only help you feel safe and supported, but also gently challenge you when appropriate. I am especially eager to work with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, self-esteem, relationship troubles, body image, LGBTQ+ related themes, and difficulties related to life transitions. My primary approach to counseling is very relational. I believe that trusting your therapist is the pinnacle of what makes therapy work. One of the best parts of my job is hearing someone say "I couldn't wait to talk to you about this!" I want our work to feel collaborative and tailored to your individual needs as much as possible. Seeking therapy can be very intimidating, and you're taking a brave step by being here. My goal is to make you feel as comfortable, validated, and supported as possible when we work together. I'm looking forward to connecting!

It can be extremely hard to navigate through life with all of the stressors we face on a daily basis. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and various challenges in college. It would be my great pleasure to work with you and to help you on your journey of growth and discovery.

Psychotherapy offers more than just healing -- it can help us discover new & forgotten strengths, fortify our relationships with ourselves & others, and build satisfying lives. I believe that a trusting and collaborative relationship is at the root of all meaningful work. To that end, I strive to create a warm, non-judgmental and safe space in therapy that facilitates effective partnership between us. We will work together to help you find emotional relief, access your authentic self, cultivate meaningful & healthy relationships and to be an effective advocate for yourself. I have worked with teenagers, adults and families, helping them overcome depression, anxiety & relational conflict, process grief & loss, manage trauma sequelae, grapple with issues of gender & sexuality, deal with challenges related to acculturation as well as life transitions. I offer support and understanding to people from all cultural backgrounds. My clinical approach is eclectic and rooted in several therapeutic approaches, including psychodynamic, mindfulness-based, trauma-informed, DBT and IFS. I believe therapy is a collaborative process, and so, together we will find the techniques most suitable for you. To accommodate busy schedules, I offer weekend times. I also offer services in Hindi.

I am passionate about reducing stigma around mental health and creating a supportive space for all clients. I strongly believe in meeting clients where they are and collaborating with them to create an environment that is most conducive to meeting their therapeutic goals. Additionally, I value the importance of trust in the therapeutic relationship, and I strive to understand my clients’ identities and experiences while exploring their strengths. My passion is working with young adults experiencing anxiety, general stress, interpersonal relationship and family challenges, as well as work or school challenges. I like to work collaboratively with clients, and I welcome open feedback around the therapeutic relationship and process. I am committed to self-reflection and growing in this field to better serve my clients and community. If you think I may be a good fit for you, please reach out. I understand starting therapy can be challenging, and I am here to help with the process. Additionally, many clinicians in our small practice are accepting new clients, and I am happy to provide a referral if you feel I am not be the best match for you.

I provide individual therapy and couples counseling for adults struggling with a wide range of issues. My areas of expertise include mood dysregulation, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, life transitions, identity issues, college counseling, and trauma/PTSD. Overall, I view therapy as a collaborative relationship between client and therapist in which we work together towards client self-knowledge, self-acceptance, and healing. I work from a flexible, integrative approach, drawing on aspects of psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and relational modalities, depending on each client's particular needs. My style is empathetic, respectful, and curious. I have specialized training in Prolonged Exposure therapy for PTSD, cross-cultural therapy, working with veterans, and working with asylum-seekers/refugees.

Welcome! I work with students who are looking for support in navigating life transitions and the unique stressors of being a student. If you are experiencing existential anxiety, stress, motivation issues or creative blocks, challenging relationships with family, friends, or partners, and issues balancing workload and social life, you are so not alone. Together we will process experiences that may be impacting you, learn how to create and maintain boundaries, and figure out what it means to thrive during this time of your life. Searching for a therapist is a big step to take and finding a good fit can be challenging. I offer free consultation calls to see if it feels like a good fit. No matter where you are in your process, let's talk!

The students I work best with often share common experiences and needs. Many of them are facing the pressures of academic demands, juggling coursework, exams, and deadlines while also trying to balance personal responsibilities and relationships. They may be experiencing feelings of stress, anxiety, or overwhelm as they navigate transitions, uncertainties, and expectations. What sets my practice apart is my genuine commitment to creating a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and concerns without judgment. I understand that seeking help can feel daunting, so I strive to foster a warm and welcoming environment where you feel heard, valued, and understood. Whether you're struggling with academic stress, relationship issues, self-doubt, or anything in between, I'm here to support you every step of the way. Together, we'll work collaboratively to identify your goals, explore your strengths, and develop personalized strategies to help you thrive in all areas of your life. If you're ready to take the first step toward a happier, healthier you, I invite you to reach out. Let's embark on this journey of self-discovery and growth together. You don't have to face your challenges alone—I'm here to help you every step of the way.

Bret is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor working in the Harvard Square section of Cambridge, MA. Bret brings a history of working in diverse clinical settings to bear on the work he does with his clients. His range of experiences include in-patient psychiatric settings, partial hospitalization programs, college counseling centers, and the Massachusetts correctional system. He has worked with those seeking therapy for the first time, as well as folks who have experienced a lifetime of navigating the mental health system. Through each of those settings, one constant has remained in the work he has done, which is the conviction that healing only happens through the establishment of a meaningful and authentic therapeutic relationship. Bret’s eclectic history has enabled him to develop a rich and integrated approach to collaborating with the people he forms connections with in his work. In his private practice, Bret works with adults college-age and older. His abiding belief is that in his work he is not working with a diagnosis or a set of symptoms, but with a person with a unique set of complex challenges that have encouraged them to seek assistance from a caring professional. As such, he feels comfortable working with a broad spectrum of therapeutic concerns. However, given his work in corrections, Bret has developed a unique capacity to connect with those who may be skeptical of the therapeutic process or struggled to find success in other therapies. Additionally, Bret specializes in working with young men who have difficulty forming meaningful connections, finding effective ways to express their emotions, and managing impulsivity and aggression towards themself and others. Bret is currently available for in-person and online sessions