Therapists for college students near Boston, MA

I strive to create a strong, collaborative, and secure therapeutic relationship where you feel truly seen and understood. Together, we explore not just the challenges you’re facing, but also your strengths, values, and goals—both in therapy and in life. Many clients come to me ready to examine and unlearn patterns that no longer serve them. They’re seeking to address anxiety and depressed mood, life transitions, and/or interpersonal dynamics. Often their goals are to strive for meaningful change, greater self-awareness, and the skills to navigate life in a way that aligns with who they truly are. I work with them to develop practical strategies that promote resilience, balance, and a sense of empowerment. My approach to therapy is comprehensive, client-centered, and rooted in social justice, relational mindfulness, and purposeful self-reflection. I value collaboration and ensure that assessment, diagnosis, and treatment are tailored to each person’s unique experience. Above all, I am committed to providing a non-judgmental space where compassion, empathy, and support are met with clear, honest, and practical guidance. My passion is equipping clients with tools they can carry long after therapy ends—helping them shift unhelpful thought patterns, manage emotions more effectively, and confidently navigate life’s many demands. The more skills we develop, the more equipped you’ll be to handle future challenges with clarity and confidence.

Hello, I’m Marsha Charlton, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, PMH-C (PSI), a board-certified Family and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am passionate about supporting college students as they navigate the unique challenges of academic life and personal growth. With extensive experience in both primary care and mental health, I provide comprehensive medication management and supportive psychotherapy tailored to the needs of young adults. I also hold advanced certification in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International. This credential reflects specialized training in the assessment and treatment of mental health conditions during pregnancy and the postpartum period, including mood and anxiety disorders, trauma-related concerns, and adjustment challenges. In my practice, I integrate this expertise through evidence-based screening, thoughtful medication management during pregnancy and lactation, and psychotherapy approaches designed to support individuals during the transition to parenthood. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and evidence-based. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where patients feel heard, supported, and empowered to achieve their mental health goals.

At Understanding U Counseling Services, we offer a range of individual counseling services to help people overcome their challenges and find relief from anxiety, depression, trauma, post partum, difficult birth, grief/loss or relationship issues. I am a experienced therapists providing a confidential and supportive environment so that you can explore what is troubling you and work towards finding resolution. Contact us today to schedule a Free 15 minute phone consultation appointment!

I hold a B. A. in English from Shanghai University and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University. Over the last 19 years, I interned and practiced at various inpatient and outpatient settings, including Mt. Sinai-Roosevelt Hospital in NYC, Mt. Sinai-Beth Israel Medical Center in NYC, Amherst College Counseling Center in Amherst, MA, and the Community Health Center of Franklin County in Greenfield, MA. My own cross-cultural and cross-lingual experiences continue to shape the way I work. My “ideal patient” often shares these essential characteristics with me: bilingualism/biculturalism; deep-seated values for family, language, and culture; experiences of migration and adversity; an appreciation for authenticity and openness; and an unyielding curiosity about the inner workings of their own minds and those of others. I look forward to working with you!

We know that searching for a therapist can be one of the most difficult parts of coping, healing, and self-empowerment, because it's the first thing you must do. You must force yourself out of your comfort zone and out of whatever routine you've had before, to take the initiative and embark on a new path. When we're at our best, stepping out of our comfort zones can be daunting; when we're feeling vulnerable, it can seem nearly impossible. No matter what prompted you to take this first step, we'd like to be there for your second. Our clinicians focus on creating an empathic environment where you feel safe and relaxed, and where we can use every tool available to brighten your present and empower your future.

I specialize in working with individuals who experience anxiety, low self-esteem, relational issues, and acculturation issues. My therapeutic style is compassionate, collaborative, and supported by evidence-based treatment modalities. Whether you're struggling with communication issues, setting boundaries, or grappling with a sense of identity, I am here to support and empower you. I hope to help you feel more at peace internally and within the context of relationships.

The decision to start therapy is a courageous one. I create an open and safe environment for you to embark on your therapeutic journey. In my practice I take a strength-based approach to help you learn and grow. I am interested in exploring who you are as an individual and helping you get where you want to be. Together I hope to build a respectful and collaborative therapeutic alliance. I have experience working with individuals with depression, anxiety, and ADHD. I specialize with working with young adults dealing with life transitions. I have experience working in the university and hospital setting. I have an interest in working with young adults, college students, and adults. I use both CBT and DBT in my practice. My colleagues would describe me to have a calming presence and open mind. I look forward to meeting you and working together.

College can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, burnout, or major life changes, we're here to help. Our goal is to provide compassionate, personalized psychiatric care in a supportive, judgment-free space where you feel heard and empowered. Together, we'll create a treatment plan that fits your needs, supports your academic success, and promotes your overall well-being. We provide customized support and services particularly for students of color and those who are new to the country. We're glad you're here, and we look forward to partnering with you on your mental health journey. Nothing is impossible; as Nelson Mandela said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

Scott Smith received a Master of Arts from Assumption College in 2007, with a specialization in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults. Scott completed his internship at a top tier training site, The Bridge of Central Massachusetts, where he received additional intensive training in dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) for individuals and groups. Scott has decades of experience working in multiple agencies and group practices, helping individuals and couples who have a wide range of diagnoses. In 2019, Scott began a solo practice focusing on couple therapy using emotional focus therapy (EFT). Scott realized he enjoys collaboration with other providers and decided to form Insights Psychological Services, PLLC with Ashley O'Hearn, Psy.D. to fulfill a dream as well as a need for the mental health community in Boston. Scott is excited about the prospects of clients having an authentic experience and clinicians being invested as much as the individuals are in their treatment. Scott enjoys working with adult individuals and couples (ages 20's to 50's) who are experiencing anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. More specifically, Scott likes working with clients who want to gain awareness and insight surrounding their maladaptive behavioral patterns in order to promote change. Those who are in an existential crisis and seeking resolution, would likely be a good fit working with Scott. In terms of helping individuals, Scott provides psychological counseling using a CBT framework through a relational lens. He puts emphasis on learning about his clients' lived experience, while also pushing for change by challenging negative held beliefs or schemata. Scott is sensitive to clients feeling uncomfortable sharing their vulnerabilities and uses validation and encouragement throughout the therapy process to help clients feel understood. When working with couples, Scott uses EFT to help his clients identify the problematic dynamic that occurs in the relationship. He assists each individual of the partnership in identifying their emotional experience when a rupture has occurred as well as aids them in taking an empathetic stance with their partner in order to repair the injury. Additionally, Scott incorporates his DBT training to help couples better communicate to one another in an effective manner. Stylistically, Scott also guides his clients through the entire therapy process to create safety so that clients are able to gradually be able to tolerate uncomfortable feelings. Scott provides his individual and couple clients emotional consulting meaning that he provides feedback on what clients might be doing behaviorally that once was helpful but now is potentially keeping them stuck and unable to move forward toward their life goals. He uses humor and irreverence as a great therapeutic tool.

At ELEVATE You will find authentic counselors making connections with our clients that increase self-awareness and elevate others to live their best possible lives. We do this work, because we are purposed to raise up our clients, our colleagues and our profession from good to better, from better to best. Mission Statement: Elevate Counseling Services is on a mission to be a welcoming community of behavioral health care professionals that are elevated to the highest possible standard of care. We believe in excellence in counseling practice, in wellness programming and in behavioral health care business practices.

Sometimes we don’t have anyway of knowing what we’ve been through until it’s over. Recognizing things that were harmful to us sometimes cannot happen until we are no longer in survival mode. Dealing with overwhelming thoughts, depression, anxiety, or the overwhelming emotions that can come in waves is a significant thing to have to handle. This can lead to people struggling to handle life, and even consider ending it. At Inverted Dawn, we specifically work with people who’ve reached that point where things have gotten so bad, nothing seems to make sense anymore. What we offer is a supportive, non-judgmental approach to help explore where you are at, how you’ve been coping with it, and what a tomorrow that is worth living for would truly look like.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of college life? Do you find yourself struggling with anxiety, depression, or feelings of loneliness? As a therapist specializing in treating college students, I understand the unique challenges you may be facing. It's common to feel the weight of school stress, life changes, and the demands of balancing academics with personal life. You are not alone. I am here to help you navigate through these difficult emotions and challenges. Together, we can work towards finding coping mechanisms, building resilience, and developing healthy strategies to manage your anxiety, depression, and other issues you may be experiencing. You deserve to feel supported and empowered to overcome these obstacles. I offer a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your feelings and thoughts openly. Let's work together to improve your mental health and well-being, and help you thrive during your college years. You are capable of finding hope and healing, and I am here to support you every step of the way.

Planting the Seed Inc. is dedicated to fostering self-healing, wellness, and wholeness within our community. We offer therapy, education, support, and advocacy to uplift and empower individuals, with a special focus on underserved populations. Our mission is to enrich lives by providing comprehensive counseling services, holistic practices, and support. We also work closely with other mental health professionals to expand these services across Connecticut and Massachusetts. Our practice includes 5 clinicians from diverse backgrounds who specialize in various modalities. Check out our website so you can meet our team!

Whether you're working through past traumas, seeking clarity amidst life's transitions, or desiring deeper connections, you deserve a therapeutic experience that genuinely resonates with you. As your therapist, my goal is to provide a safe and nurturing environment where we can collaborate to improve your mental well-being, enrich your relationships, and uncover greater purpose and joy in your life. I specialize in working with young adults and individuals navigating transitions through client-centered and solution-focused methods. My practice integrates DBT and art therapy, offering a blend of talk and creative therapies. This flexible approach allows us to tailor sessions to your individual needs, fostering a supportive environment to address your unique challenges.

Navigating the complex dynamics of college life can be challenging, and I am dedicated to supporting you through these pivotal years. I understand the pressures of academic performance, the intricacies of relationships, the stress of athletic commitments (as a former Division I athlete, myself!), and the overwhelming transitions that come with this phase of life. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or simply need guidance in managing college dynamics, I am here to help. I offer personalized, compassionate care to ensure you thrive both academically and personally, helping you achieve a balanced and fulfilling college experience.

When painful things happen in our lives, we do our best to cope with it in the moment. That might mean we get really good at “just dealing with it,” and “toughing it out.” Maybe we get really good at “checking out,” or maybe we become super skilled at coming up with clever ways to altogether avoid triggering situations. At one point in time, these skills served you well. And maybe they don’t any longer. Often, underneath these patterns anxiety and depression flood every day, drowning out our resources and making life difficult to enjoy. But changing these patterns and finding new hope can seem like an impossible feat. So often we know something is off because of what we feel in our bodies. Your heart starts pounding, that turning in your stomach, breathing feels tight, maybe you feel disconnected. The key to finding relief is not just about thinking differently. I am a Registered Dance/Movement Therapist and offer body-based techniques for approaching these issues. When we can tune into our bodies as well as our thoughts, we can begin to take control of our lives. I believe that you ultimately know what’s best for your own life. Sometimes it can feel scary to start therapy. What I usually tell my clients is “you’re in the driver’s seat.” I’m the copilot and have a map, and can point things out that maybe you didn’t see from your vantage point. Let’s figure this out together. Call or email for a free consultation.

Welcome At ELEVATE You will find authentic counselors making connections with our clients that increase self-awareness and elevate others to live their best possible lives. We do this work, because we are purposed to raise up our clients, our colleagues and our profession from good to better, from better to best. Mission Statement: Elevate Counseling Services is on a mission to be a welcoming community of behavioral health care professionals that are elevated to the highest possible standard of care. We believe in excellence in counseling practice, in wellness programming and in behavioral health care business practices.

Are you experiencing feelings of self-doubt, anxiety, burnout, or feeling stuck or overwhelmed? Are you uncertain about your decisions relating to relationships, career, or your future direction? If life's challenges are weighing heavily on you and you're in need of an unbiased perspective or assistance in identifying potential root causes, I'm here to offer my support. I specialize in helping individuals manage burnout, anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD/AuDHD, trauma/PTSD, and relationship challenges. I also provide guidance and support for neurodivergent individuals, including those who are exploring or suspecting neurodivergence.

It cannot be overstated what a big deal it is that you have begun to explore finding support for yourself. This first step is one of the hardest. I’d be honored to be a resource for you during this time, and accompany you as you grow and change. The majority of my clients are high achievers of all stripes, from Ivy League students to folks attending competitive conservatories and art schools. I was a performing artist (actor, singer, musician) for 12 years in New York City before changing careers, and I specialize in working with folks who have creative identities. Many of my clients are LGBTQ+ and/or neurodivergent, and most also find themselves in overfunctioning/underfunctioning dynamics in their relationships. My main therapy modality is Internal Family Systems (IFS), as well as somatic mindfulness-based therapy (Hakomi), and experiential therapy (gestalt). Basically this means that, in therapy, I will support you in getting more familiar with your internal system by helping you track what’s happening in your mind, your body, and between you and I (the therapist and the client). I’ll also guide you towards deepening your relationship with the different “parts” of your system, learning their agendas and desires, which sometimes produce inner conflicts and create stuckness. It’s well-known that being mindful of your body and breath is a great way to reduce stress, and using this practice as real situations arise in therapy will give you a practical way to use it in your day-to-day. As you get to know your system better, you will build greater trust within yourself, allowing for stuck parts to shift and for real lasting change to occur. If you’ve been in therapy before and it just felt like venting, IFS will be different. Pro tip: the research suggests that the therapy modality you use is less important than a trusting relationship with your therapist as far as positive therapy outcomes (though I will happily talk IFS theory for days). Do your best to go with your gut feeling about who intuitively feels right when choosing a therapist, even if right now might be the hardest time to do so. If something about my practice resonates, please reach out and schedule a consultation! I look forward to hearing from you soon!

I'm passionate about working with college students, especially international students, students of color, and first-generation students. These students are often interested in exploring their identities and navigating life transitions. They may also be looking for support with academic stress and how to live according to their values. I have previous experience working in a college counseling setting, and I'm eager to connect with students who are seeking support. I am psychodynamically trained and have focused much of my learning and clinical practice within a social justice framework. Before moving to the US, I lived and studied in China, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Therefore, both Eastern and Western philosophies and values influence and inform my perspectives and the integrative approaches that I bring to my work.