Therapists for college students near Boston, MA
As a therapist, I aim to be as authentic, supportive, and direct as possible; helping you to work on the obstacles standing in the way of reaching your goals. Sometimes this simply means experiencing an accepting and validating environment otherwise unavailable. Alternatively, this may consist of having an emotionally safe space to communicate with your partner or family. My approach depends on your goals for our work together and what degree of challenge you feel ready for. Conflict or connection, I am here to support you. Feedback I've received from clients typically includes comments along the lines of, "You aren't the type of therapist who just sits back and listens for an hour, but who gets me to consider things I hadn't thought of, helped me to figure myself out- what I really want, need, and how to deal". I truly enjoy helping my clients to gain a better understanding of themselves, identifying and building their strengths, and supporting them through difficult times. You may perceive an upsetting event as a minute issue or a monstrous crisis based on how others view it. My perspective however, rests on the impact and significance an experience holds for you. Life is challenging, especially when you are attempting to juggle school, work, relationships and unexpected life events. Reach out. A simple talk will help you determine if I can be of support.
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.
My main focus is EMDR. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, trauma, and mood challenges. Whether you're struggling with anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, or OCD, or dealing with trauma (including PTSD or complex trauma), I'm here to support you in finding relief and healing. My approach is compassionate and collaborative, focusing on helping you feel more grounded, calm, and hopeful about your future. I also use CBT, DBT, IFS and other modalities to help you with the "stuck points" in your life. I have a long-standing interest in supporting people with relationship challenges, attachment issues, and narcissistic personality concerns. In addition, I have expertise in managing mood disorders, particularly bipolar disorder, and offer specialized care for individuals navigating their first episode, especially young adults and college students. I work closely with you to understand your unique experience and create a treatment plan that works for you. I’m here to help you explore new possibilities, heal at your own pace, and build a path toward greater peace and well-being.
Life is a journey and it presents us with struggles. Our minds are resilient and plastic, yet when we are blocked we may not appreciate this. I give my clients tools to help themselves adjust and adapt to their individual struggles, such as death of a love one, stress, relational breakups and a spectrum of traumas. I am a guide to help my clients resolve their temporary block.
Do you spend so much time caring for other people’s needs that your own get lost in the process? Does it feel like everything will fall apart if you slow down? Being the go-to person can cost you a lot of anxiety, sleepless nights, and/or panic. Long hours, high stress, and the constant demands of school, family, and responsibilities leaves little room to focus on how you actually feel physically and emotionally, leading to exhaustion, irritability, and relationship issues. Therapy is a way to reconnect with yourself, set boundaries without guilt, and finally get off the hamster wheel of pleasing, perfecting, and performing. With over 20 years of experience as a therapist specializing in anxiety, burnout, and relationships, we’ll work together to create a new way forward, with proven strategies you can implement daily to complete the stress response cycle, practice self compassion, and fully recognize your self-worth as separate from your accomplishments and/or other's opinions. No matter what you are going through, you can emerge as something greater. Submit your therapy request by email - erin@erinpcollinstherapy.com or visit my website to book a free 15 minute consultation call. In person and online sessions are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. I look forward to meeting you!
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
We are a group of psychologists who are experienced in college mental health. Our services are informed by research on college mental health, developmental characteristics and needs of emerging adulthood (ages 18-29), trauma-informed approach, and sociocultural issues in mental health. We assist our clients by providing individual therapy, group therapy, and career services.
At Transcendence Counseling, we are a team of two trauma-informed clinicians dedicated to serving gender-diverse individuals and women's mental health. One of us identifies as BIPOC, and the other as gender-diverse—bringing lived experience, cultural awareness, and a deep commitment to inclusive, affirming care. Together, we create a safe and empowering space where clients can explore, heal, and thrive.
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!
Fit is essential to good therapy. When the fit is right, therapy can become a practice space for navigating the complexity of relationships in everyday life. I value an open and collaborative approach so that together we can understand the challenges you face; those that are both in and outside of your conscious awareness. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, questions of identity, work difficulties, relationship conflict, going through a life change, or dealing with family-related stress, I believe that together we can understand and address that which holds you back. The following clinicians work in my practice and are also listed with Thriving Campus: Joel Stanley, Mental Health Counselor, and Dr. Shirley Poyau. I specialize in the treatment of complex trauma, a condition resulting from early and repeated exposure to neglect and abuse on the part of caregivers. I strive to create a space with clients where safety, in the context of a therapeutic relationship, can be experienced in order to promote recovery. I bring an awareness of the body and its various forms of communication into treatment, while also listening for layered meanings contained in the spoken word. I integrate psychodynamic principles and body-based approaches into my work. Social justice, equity, and cultural issues also significantly guide my clinical approach.
At Windward Mental Health in Dedham, we’re here for college students from the surrounding towns—think Wellesley College, Babson, Lasell University, or Regis College—who are navigating the chaos of student life while wrestling with mental health struggles. Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is perfect for students like you—maybe a Wellesley undergrad feeling crushed by perfectionism, a Babson entrepreneur battling anxiety that’s tanking your focus, or a Lasell student quietly dealing with depression after a rocky semester. We connect best with those who are juggling classes, part-time jobs, or campus activities, but are hitting a wall with stress, mood swings, or even past tough experiences that keep creeping back. We thrive with students who want to tackle things like overwhelming worry, low energy, or habits they’ve picked up to cope—like too much drinking or scrolling—that aren’t helping anymore. You might be someone who’s sick of faking it through group projects or dorm hangouts, or who’s reeling from a big life shake-up, like losing a friend or failing a class you worked hard for. Our clients often just want to feel steady again—to get back to crushing that presentation, enjoying a night out, or even just sleeping without overthinking everything. Right off Route 128 in Dedham, we’re an easy trip from Needham, Westwood, or Newton, with a schedule that works around your college life—daytime sessions that let you still make that afternoon lecture or evening shift. Whether you’re the overachiever who’s burned out, the quiet one hiding how rough it’s been, or the social butterfly who’s lost your spark, our IOP gives you a judgment-free spot to figure it out with a team that gets what being a student around here is like. If you’re ready to take charge of your mental health and still keep your college groove, we’re here to help you feel stronger and more like yourself.
Whether you’re seeking a therapist for the first time or looking for a new connection, choosing the right provider can be an intimidating process. Often times the most important factor in therapy is how you feel talking to and sitting with the psychotherapist you select. I treat a wide range of clients from a variety of backgrounds. I am a trauma specialist, and I have a particular focus in attachment trauma, narcissistic abuse, estrangement, toxic family stress, codependency, disordered eating, and complex ptsd. I practice from a relational framework, which is able to uniquely address the nature of these harms and the deeply felt needs of many clients. Working with me will look very different from a cookie cutter therapy response. Instead, you’ll find sitting with me includes personal reflection, humor, emotion and science based care. I am located in Medford off High St and nearby the library. Convenient to Winchester, Arlington, Somerville and Cambridge.
I really enjoy helping students navigate through their college experiences at all stages of college - from adjusting to being away from home for the first time to making and maintaining healthy relationships, and to making difficult decisions about which paths to take when their college experience comes to an end. In my practice I am experienced in treating students who have significant mental health concerns as well as students who are simply looking for some objective support to work through some transitions and day to day challenges.
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.
Clear Steps Recovery offers a therapeutic environment for clients and family members. We have an experienced team that includes therapists, case managers, medical staff and recovery coaches. CSR offers different therapeutic approaches to help clients maintain long-term recovery. Our mission is to provide an effective path to recovery by combining evidence-based treatments in conjunction with the holistic approach. Each journey is unique, so we provide individualized treatment plans.
Compassionate Collaborative Psychotherapy I offer evidence-based psychological treatment with a particular emphasis on third-wave cognitive and behavioral therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Compassion-Focused Therapy. I prioritize a collaborative approach to treatment.
I believe one of the bravest things you can do is begin to understand your own story. What often brings us to therapy are life events that we did not sign up for or want to face. Unanticipated endings, dealing with uncertainties and fear can bring us to crossroads. These intersections present an opportunity for our hearts to grow and for our lives to align with our true north. My primary work has been in medical settings, including inpatient, outpatient, and community health. I believe that when working with individuals, the human connection is the core of what makes therapy meaningful and effective. If you are dealing with old patterns, a new health diagnosis, or experiencing significant loss or relationship issues, my practice might be a good fit. I welcome you to give me a call to discuss further whether I can be a good fit for your needs.
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!
Libby Flavin, MSW, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Van Dusen Nutrition®. Libby currently works full-time in the Needham office and sees clients for individual in person and virtual psychotherapy sessions. Libby’s mission is to provide a safe space for individuals to reclaim the aspects of their lives that an eating disorder has taken away from them. Her approach is authentic, non-judgmental, and honest. Libby believes in full recovery and that by trusting the process and bettering relationships with self and others, it is possible. Libby received a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences with a minor in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island. She then completed her MSW at Boston College, specializing in mental health. Libby’s clinical internships consisted of in-home therapy services, academic counseling, and eating disorders at both the partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient levels of care. Following her graduation from Boston College, Libby then went on to continue developing her skills in the treatment of eating disorders at Walden Behavioral Care in Braintree, MA where she ran group therapy, meal monitoring, and provided individual and family therapy to adolescents and young adults. Libby is an active member of the National Association of Social Workers and Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association.