Therapists for college students near Harvard University

I have been a practicing psychologist for the past 23 years. I have a warm and informal style which I believe serves my clients well. I use techniques that best fit the needs of my clients. I have an active, directive approach in my clinical work. I do not hesitate to give direct feedback and advice to my clients, and will give homework to clients when necessary. At the start of therapy, I prefer to see clients weekly or once every other week in order to establish continuity in the therapy. I have experience providing psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and elderly clients. I specialize in cognitive and cognitive-behavioral techniques for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and childhood and adult ADD/ADHD. I also employ an Associate Clinician who works with me on a part-time basis. My broad range of experience and skills will help you to move forward to reach your goals with the issues that bring you to therapy. I have had many successes treating children, adolescents and adults, and look forward to working with you.

My approach to therapy is highly warm and collaborative. I tailor evidence-based interventions (CBT, DBT, ACT-informed) that align with my patients expressed personal goals, unique experiences, background/culture, and spiritual beliefs. I have specialty training in behavioral medicine, and hold a philosophy of care grounded in the reciprocal mind/body connection. I have particular specialty in treating physical health conditions through psychological interventions including chronic pain and medically unexplained physical symptoms; however, I support clients with an array of other presenting concerns (Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Stress, Eating. Disorders).

Currently prioritizing new clients who are BIPOC-identified, ages 20+, and interested in in-person therapy (office on Mass Ave., in E. Arlington near Cambridge).

My approach to therapy is grounded in narrative therapy, with the belief that how you understand and relate to your problems shapes your ability to move forward. Whether it’s depression that leaves you feeling stuck, anxiety that chips away at your confidence, or shame that strains your relationships—we'll explore how these experiences impact your life. Many of these struggles are shaped by external pressures around success, identity, and expectations. In therapy, we’ll work together to uncover what feels authentic and meaningful to you. I offer a collaborative and transparent space for healing. While rooted in narrative therapy, I integrate CBT and DBT techniques to support your growth. My experience includes depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, life transitions, and relationship challenges. At the heart of my practice is a deep respect for your voice and values. My goal is for you to feel empowered and at the center of your healing process. If you’re feeling disconnected from yourself or your path, we can work together to help you find your way back.

When mental health challenges feel overwhelming, expert guidance can make all the difference. As a board-certified psychiatrist and a therapist, I offer comprehensive mental health care that integrates medication management and evidence-based psychotherapy. My clinical experience spans multiple settings within the mental health system: Inpatient units, outpatient clinics, consultation-liaison services, and community mental health centers. This diverse background gives me a top-down understanding of the American mental health system. If you are feeling lost, we’ll find a path forward.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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.

My style is warm, empowering, and deeply collaborative. I work from the understanding that the therapeutic relationship itself is a powerful vehicle for healing, built on fostering genuine compassion and unconditional positive regard. I use an integrative approach tailored to clients’ unique needs, drawing from psychodynamic, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). My work is trauma-informed, integrating mindfulness, Liberation Health, and anti-oppressive frameworks, while emphasizing awareness and somatic experience. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, identity concerns, relationship and family dynamics, and college adjustment. I specialize in supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, and individuals navigating chronic illness. I offer an affirming space for diverse identities and relationship dynamics. In addition to a Master of Social Work, I have a Master of Education in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies and a background as a health and wellness/biology teacher, which provides me with a unique understanding of the challenges students encounter in educational environments.

I received my bachelor’s degree with honors from Brown University and my master’s degree from Boston College. I acquired my clinical training at McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School’s largest psychiatric affiliate, on an inpatient unit in the division of Anxiety & Mood Disorders. I also trained at the OCD Institute, the nation’s first and foremost treatment center for obsessive-compulsive disorder. I specialize in treating OCD, anxiety, and self-doubt. I have a particular focus on “Pure O,” which are obsessions without visible compulsions. Often these include obsessional doubts about taboo topics such as sexuality, violence, morality, identity, and health. When my clients first come to see me, they are stuck in a swamp of anxiety and endless fears of “what if.” They are exhausted from trying to escape the discomfort of their thoughts and keep their emotions at bay. For so long, avoiding and withdrawing has seemed like the easiest path to take, but it has also meant missing out on parts of life. They wish things could be different—that they could get out of their heads, stop worrying, and be more fully connected to themselves and others—but facing fears and making changes feels so daunting. I am one of the few clinicians in the country trained by the creator of Inference-based Therapy (IBT or I-CBT), an evidence-based therapy for OCD that addresses self-doubt and learning to trust yourself instead of having to resort to researching, reassurance-seeking, ruminating, or avoiding. You can be free of the exhaustion that comes from all the obsessing and avoiding. In our work together, you will develop new ways of thinking, feeling, and being in relationships so that you are no longer at the mercy of self-doubt and intrusive thoughts. You will learn how to trust yourself and step into your strength so you can show up fully to your own life.

I work at CampusCare Counseling. I am trauma-informed in my approach. This means I work with clients to build trust, taking into consideration personal and socio-cultural factors, with the goal of forming a therapeutic relationship that empowers clients and allows their authentic selves to be in the therapy space. I believe growth, as defined by the client, happens from there. When clinically indicated, I pull from my experience and training with trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and EMDR. Additionally, I use psychodynamic, existential, and feminist perspectives to inform my work.

Depth. Strategy. Lasting Change. I provide therapy and coaching for deep thinkers navigating executive function, overwhelm, or relational patterns that no longer serve them.

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 specialize in working with patients who struggle with mood disorders, safety concerns, college transition, learning challenges, social skill challenges, grief/separation, and anger challenges. I provide integrated, wrap-around MMT care for my clients, and their parents/caregivers, helping facilitate an understanding of their behavioral/learning challenges. As a social worker, my focus extends beyond individual therapy sessions—I actively facilitate communication and collaboration between multiple parties involved, ensuring the best support for my clients. My goal is to empower young individuals to overcome challenges, foster personal growth, and thrive academically and personally.

My practice focuses on helping people get to know themselves better and learn to cope with difficult thoughts and feelings that get in their way of moving forward with what they want. Helping clients clarify what they value and learn new behaviors that help them build a meaningful life is a main goal of my approach . I have over twenty years of experience and love working with college students who are feeling depressed, anxious, have trouble fitting in, managing stress and transitions. Cross-cultural issues, grief, and parenting are also areas of particular focus in my practice. I am a native Spanish-speaker and provide services in Spanish as well as English.

When everything feels like too much, therapy shouldn’t add to the pressure. I'm a liberatory therapist working with kids and adults facing life transitions and overwhelm. I don’t believe in forcing people to fit systems that weren’t built for them. Instead, I center you—your needs, your truth, and your pace. Using humanistic and cognitive approaches, I offer a grounded space where we can explore what’s hard, celebrate your strengths, and move toward a more authentic sense of self. With compassion, humor, and curiosity, we’ll challenge the stories that are holding you back—and build new ones that feel like yours.

If you've been feeling emotionally overwhelmed and it's affecting your sleep, work, or relationships, today is a good day to prioritize your well-being! I offer telehealth sessions throughout Massachusetts and Virginia, and in person walk-and-talk sessions in Charlottesville, VA. I specialize in helping young adults manage stress, anxiety, feelings of isolation, depression, or of not feeling good enough that can accompany being a college student in an academically rigorous environment. If your previous ways of dealing with challenges are not working, you find yourself drinking more than you used to, not sleeping well, or not feeling able to connect with your friends and family, this is a good time to get additional support. I take an active role in helping you sort out the best way to approach your challenges and teach you the foundations of mental health so you get back on track. Together we will explore the connection between how you live and how you feel, and identify the areas that feel out of balance. I take a comprehensive holistic approach to wellness because, for the people I work with, traditional talk therapy is often not enough. Our mental health is impacted by our environment, sleep, physical activity, what we eat, relationships, beliefs, thoughts, and behaviors–and I believe our mental health care should include these elements as components of the whole system. Evidence-based tools we may incorporate include meditation and somatic mind-body practices, techniques to work with thought patterns, interpersonal skills, and lifestyle interventions. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to discuss if we are a good fit to help you achieve your goals!

I am thrilled to announce the opening of THRIVE Psychiatric Care, LLC with my partner Elizabeth Morrison AGNP-C, PMHNP- BC. Together we bring over 39 years of psychiatric and primary care experience to the residents of MA. We offer comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medication management services to adults age 18 and over in the state of MA. I take an integrative, whole-person approach to care. That means I look beyond symptoms to understand your full story—what’s going on in your body, your environment, and your life—and tailor treatment to you. Whether we’re working together on mood, anxiety, cognitive changes, or managing life transitions, my goal is to provide thoughtful, evidence-based care that aligns with your values and needs.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

You feel anxious and it’s hard to shut your brain off. People tell you to relax, but it’s not that easy for you. You’ve worked hard to get where you are, but it’s hard to sit back and enjoy it. Your standards for yourself feel too high, and you question how long you can keep this up. You tend to doubt yourself and your abilities and look to other people to reassure you. It’s hard to take up space, feel confident, and speak your truth. You want to feel present in your life and like you’re able to love and appreciate yourself just as you are. You want to feel confident, courageous, and like you are able to advocate for yourself. You want to feel happy, calm, and at peace with your life, your relationships, and your career. I specialize in working with young adults with anxiety, people-pleasing tendencies, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism to build self-confidence and live a life they love. A better future is possible, and I'm here to help you create it. I can’t wait to hear from you, send me an email or call me to schedule a free phone consultation.

Being a student in today's sociopolitical climate is incredibly challenging. As cognitive-behavioral and dialectical-behavioral therapists, we work with students who have wide-ranging concerns, including, but not limited to: anxiety, OCD, PTSD, fear of flying and other phobias, stress, depression, emotion dysregulation, self-harm, suicide, and general malaise. Our approach is collaborative and guided by core principles to help you harness your strengths in regaining control of your thoughts, feelings, and relationships. We will work closely with you to guide you towards the change you seek and life you envision. You will make lasting change towards your personal, academic, and professional goals when you work with us.