Therapists for college students near Cambridge, MA

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.

At the heart of psychotherapy is accompaniment through one’s inner world. Current difficulties, past struggles, individual and familial traumas, hidden hopes and dreams – all of this will be central to making sense of your present and building toward your future. Starting psychotherapy can feel intimidating, but the benefits can be huge: deeper self-understanding, more meaningful and authentic relationships, reduced depression and anxiety, increased self-confidence. I have worked with a diverse swath of undergrad and graduate students in college counseling centers, and have studied and taught at private and public universities across the country. My specializations include relationship struggles, family conflict and crisis, identity development, career direction, academic concerns, gender and sexuality, trauma, spirituality, creativity, chronic illness, immigration, and LGBTQIA+ issues in teens and adults. I am committed to meeting you where you are at in the therapeutic process, and I welcome exploration of racial, sexual, and gender identities. I am a Harvard Medical School Psychiatry fellow trained in psychodynamic, relational, cognitive behavioral, and mindfulness-based therapies, but I believe a strong sense of connection is the most important element in seeking a therapist. I encourage you to reach out to a number of practitioners to find a good match. I look forward to hearing from you.

Talking about your life in a structured, mindful, and confidential manner can move you in the direction of creating a rich and meaningful life. I can help you develop the skills and tools that will support you in managing what is difficult for you right now. Some people see me for an open ended period. Others, prefer to work on a specific concern where we may meet for a much shorter length of time.

We go through life trying to figure out who we are and whether we can be accepted by family, co-workers, and friends. You learned strategies to show or hide certain parts of yourself to survive after experiencing hurt or rejection, pretending to be "okay" when others ask you how you are feeling to not burden them, but numb on the inside with anxiety or loneliness. Despite the desire to break out of the shell and be happy, life continues to be hard, especially when you look to others and seeing them being happy. And that is why you come to therapy: Because you want life to be meaningful and fulfilling! Therapy will not be simply talking, but a space where we will explore and mend parts of yourself that you love and parts that you avoid. The process may be challenging as I help you rediscover the things you have "swept under the rug" through questions and emotions, but also rewarding as you hopefully come to see yourself in a new light. I will provide a space for you to be you, whoever that may be so that you can look in the mirror and see yourself as deserving of love and happiness. Gamer? Great! Kinks? Awesome! Anime? That's my jam, too! If you are ready to take that courageous step again, please contact me for a 15-minute consultation on what you want in therapy and next steps.

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.

About my practice: I strive to offer clients with a warm and collaborative environment to help them cope with issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, academic/job-related stress, chronic health concerns (including navigating complex medical systems), and life transitions. I understand that people are doing the best they can, while simultaneously wanting to change. While I enjoy working with people from all backgrounds, many people who seek me out identify as people of color and/or have inter-racial or trans-national families. In addition, I frequently see clients with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. I help clients consider ways to draw upon existing strengths as they cope with various forms of marginalization. My approach: My style is collaborative, and I integrate multiple approaches, depending on a client's needs and preferences. I draw from psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and mindfulness-based therapies. I help clients consider their patterns of relating to themselves and others that are leaving them feeling stuck. In addition, I offer clients skills to shift their relationship with distressing thoughts and feelings, so they can better engage in their lives. Fees: About me: After earning a master's degree in Human Development at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, I completed my doctoral studies at University of Massachusetts Boston. My postdoctoral training at McLean Hospital, a Harvard-affiliated psychiatric hospital, focused on exposure therapy for anxiety disorders. Most of my work has been in school settings, including college counseling centers, because I love working with students. If you have questions, please feel free reach out!

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!

I am an experienced psychologist who works well with undergraduate and graduate students. Together we can create a road map for how you would want to more fully live your live. I can help with anxiety, mood, self-esteem and attentional issues. I am particularly interested in working with students who are first generation college students and/or students who are from diverse backgrounds. I collaborate with other providers if requested so you get the best possible care.

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.

Dr. Kazuko Montgomery earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Antioch University New England. She also holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from the Saint Michael’s College. She has extensive experience working with diverse populations, as an individual and family psychotherapist and conducting neuropsychological, cognitive, and psychological assessments. She provides counseling for depression, anxiety, and ADHD and its related executive function challenges. Dr. Montgomery’s training includes University of Vermont counseling center. She integrates many theories and approaches in order to meet the unique needs of her clients, including but not limited, cognitive behavioral therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and executive function coaching among others. Dr. Montgomery was born and raised in Japan and understands the struggles and impacts of immigration/multicultural/social adjustment issues.

We all want to be happy. More specifically, most people want to feel effective and confident, especially when it comes to relationships. We want to feel included, appreciated, and loved. Sometimes these things may seem out of reach, or you may be struggling with other challenges that leave you feeling stuck, discouraged, or helpless. Seeking support from someone with expertise relating to the human experience may be just what you need to feel more empowered and in control of your life. I am a clinical psychologist in private practice, providing behavioral health services to individuals, families, and groups in the Greater Boston area. My goal in a collaborative treatment is to work with you to identify areas of need and to utilize your unique strengths to develop, rediscover or refine ways of managing the obstacles that impede your growth. In a warm and caring environment, we will explore and expand your assets and skills to facilitate positive and adaptive change. Together we will cut the path that you choose toward a life that is increasingly meaningful and satisfying.

Cory McDinger is a licensed mental health counselor with over a decade of clinical experience in school and community settings. With her gentle and non-judgmental demeanor and strength-based, insight-oriented, relational approach to therapy, she supports personal growth, new understandings, and valuable change. Cory earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Harvard University and her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University.

I am currently accepting new clients & have evening openings. As your therapist, I strive to create a space in which you feel comfortable to explore your inner world in a deep and meaningful way. I work to provide support while challenging any maladaptive patterns. Therapy can help deepen insight, create healthier thinking and habits, and explore strengths while healing. My therapeutic approach is strengths-based and client-centered, and together we can help you realize your potential. I incorporate CBT, mindfulness, solution-focused, and trauma-informed therapy, depending on the specific needs and preferences of each of my clients. My practice specializes in adolescents and adults. I work with individuals who are experiencing difficulties in their lives due to life transitions, anxiety, low self-esteem, mood disorders, and more. I believe that you are the expert of your own life, and my role is to support and challenge you to create healthier balance and reach your goals. With my therapy clients, I believe that the healing comes from having a strong, genuine connection between the client and the therapist. My goal is to provide empathy, support, and validation in order to encourage my clients to feel comfortable exploring their inner experiences and making healthy and positive changes.

Current Daytime Openings for New Clients- Telehealth Have you been feeling stressed, overwhelmed, overall stuck, or experiencing difficulties with a transition? I would look forward to the opportunity to help. I am here to listen, support, and offer you tools. As a licensed clinical psychologist, I am committed to helping you improve your quality of life. My approach is compassionate, warm, and collaborative. I specialize in anxiety, phobias, panic, acute/chronic health conditions, adjustment to college difficulties, relationship difficulties, depression, tobacco cessation, and parent guidance. I specialize in working with adults of all ages (ages 18+). Sessions are tailored to each client's treatment goals. I utilize cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, positive psychology, strength-based and acceptance and commitment techniques. Our sessions may include understanding the relationship between your thoughts, physical symptoms, coping responses, and emotions and implementation of tools that help you to feel better both in the short-term and long-term. Viewing clinician profiles can be overwhelming. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation to answer any initial questions you may have and to assess if we feel I am a good fit. I offer therapy in English or Spanish, whichever is your preferred language. All clients representing a variety of sexual orientations, racial, or cultural backgrounds are welcome.

About Me / Specialties I am a licensed psychologist specializing in treating adolescents and young adults with OCD, anxiety (including social anxiety, panic, phobias, and generalized anxiety), and related conditions such as body dysmorphic disorder, trichotillomania, tics, and excoriation disorder. I provide evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I see clients in-person in Cambridge, MA and virtually throughout Massachusetts and Texas. I also work with parents, offering coaching to help support their teen or young adult while reducing family accommodations. My goal is to create a compassionate, collaborative space where we take mental health seriously—but not ourselves too seriously. A little humor can go a long way in therapy! Treatment Approach I tailor treatment to each individual, often addressing co-occurring concerns like depression, eating issues, or trauma alongside anxiety or OCD. Using ERP, CBT, ACT, and DBT strategies, I help students manage symptoms, regulate emotions, and make meaningful, lasting changes—all in a supportive and approachable way. Training & Experience I earned my PhD from the University of Virginia, completed my clinical internship at Harvard Medical School/Cambridge Health Alliance, and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Center for OCD and Related Disorders at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, where I currently see therapy patients and conduct research on OCD spectrum disorders.

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.

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.

People make the decision to engage in therapy for a multitude of reasons, all of which are valid. Some people may be ambivalent about making changes in their lives, while others might feel eager and ready to start the process. Regardless of where you find yourself on that continuum, I am here to support you. Although my background has mainly been focused around eating and body image, I see clients who are experiencing a variety of concerns: relationship issues, anxiety/depression, life transitions, unhappiness, etc. Prior to private practice, I worked with undergraduate and graduate students at Harvard University Counseling and Mental Health Service, with a specialty in supporting student-athletes and individuals with eating and body image concerns. I have also worked in psychiatric inpatient programs as well as eating disorder treatment programs. My therapeutic style is integrative, which means that our work together will draw on various approaches determined by your concerns and goals. My hope is for us to build a trusting relationship that will allow for honest reflection, helpful challenge, and ultimately positive change so that you may be able to lead a more fulfilling life.

You may appear confident on the outside, but internally struggle with self-doubt, anxiety, or fear of rejection. Many of my clients feel “too much” and not enough at the same time, which can show up as overgiving, withdrawing, or difficulty setting boundaries. I work with high-achieving individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, and grief—often expressed through overthinking, emotional avoidance, or disconnection. These patterns are often rooted in early experiences, cultural pressures, or navigating marginalized identities, all of which can shape how we view ourselves and relate to others. Together, we work to build a more grounded sense of self, increase emotional awareness, and shift away from survival patterns like numbing, overcontrolling, or checking out. My goal is to help you feel more confident, connected, and at ease in your life and relationships. I especially enjoy working with BIPOC clients, Asian Americans, first-generation individuals, and those exploring identity and belonging. I offer a free, no-pressure consultation to see if we’re a good fit.

People come to see me when they feel stuck and have had enough. I help parents help their children; help couples and families get closer and happier; and in general help people successfully resolve issues such as: stress, anxiety, adjustment to new life circumstances (relocation, family changes), relationship issues (divorce, extra-marital affairs, conflict), and dealing with difficult family members. I work with individuals and families dealing with medical conditions that can be affected by stress (Gastrointestinal issues, pain, sleep disturbances). I also work with people interested in specific skill building such as: stress/anxiety management, assertiveness and dealing with conflict, communication, and more.