Therapists for college students near Harvard University

We are a small private practice offering therapy and medication management for a wide range of behavioral health concerns. We utilize evidenced-based treatment and a holistic approach to wellness. Services are provided both in person and virtually.

Hey there! I’m Rachel, a therapist specializing in supporting college students right here in the Boston area. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, ADHD, OCD, or the stress of balancing school and life, you’re not alone—and I’m here to help. My approach is warm, practical, and collaborative. We’ll work together at your pace to build skills that fit your unique needs and get you feeling more in control. Daytime appointments are available to fit your busy schedule. Reach out anytime—taking the first step is often the hardest, but you don’t have to do it alone.

If you're navigating mental health challenges while trying to keep up with life, you're not alone. You might be exhausted from masking how you feel, wondering why it's so hard to focus, stay motivated, or feel truly connected to others. Maybe your mood feels unpredictable, or it's getting harder to show up for school, work, or relationships the way you want to. I work with people facing ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, psychosis, and substance use. These experiences can shape how you think, how you relate to others, and how you feel in your own body. Therapy offers a safe space to explore what's going on beneath the surface and figure out what helps. My approach is warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental. You don't have to have everything figured out. Whether you're overwhelmed by stress, feeling stuck in patterns that don't make sense, or just trying to get through the day, I'll meet you with curiosity and respect. Together, we can build understanding, practical tools, and a path forward that feels manageable and meaningful. Therapy works best as a collaborative process. Rather than telling you what to do, I'll work alongside you to explore your experiences, identify what's getting in the way, and find tools that actually fit your life. I move at a pace that feels right for you, honoring your strengths while making space for growth and change. I also provide psychiatric care and have worked in both inpatient psychiatry and outpatient addiction medicine. Motivational interviewing has been a key part of how I support people navigating substance use, especially when they feel ready for change. Helping people recover, in whatever form that takes, brings deep meaning to my work. Throughout my career, I've supported people from many walks of life, young adults, older adults, veterans, Native American communities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. I'm passionate about addressing the growing crisis of depression, anxiety, and isolation that affects so many people today. I am easygoing and conversational. I show up as a real person, not a distant expert. Connecting with people and supporting their recovery is a privilege that continues to shape my life in meaningful ways. You don't have to figure everything out on your own. When you're ready, support is here.

I respond to everyone who makes an inquiry. College and grad school can be incredibly stressful in the best of circumstances, and there is always something... extra. :) I see lots of students and have helped them find peace with social or academic pressure, present or past family problems and new or re-surfacing mental health issues. I am low-key and easy to talk to, with a dry sense of humor. I will quickly understand and help with the issue you want to address, not tell you what I think you should change. I want you to be able to talk about what really matters, feel understood and seen, and become the person you want to be. Over my 25 years in the field I have worked with a wide diversity of people. Not much surprises me, and I’m very nonjudgmental. I have worked to understand racism and oppression, and poverty, and violence, and am also aware I still have a lot to learn. My clinical social work education was in traditional psychodynamic therapy with a strong social justice awareness. I have worked in multicultural and multilingual settings most of my career. I have certificates in the treatment of trauma and also in psychoanalytic studies. I am now training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and like how non-judgmental it is. My approach is eclectic, and has evolved over the years to be flexible and practical, tuning in to what will be helpful and effective for you. I like to work with young adults, parents, and students, and here are some areas in which I’ve helped people: -Childhood experiences that bother people or create difficulties -Anxiety -Young adulthood/ leaving home adjustment -Immigrant/ first generation acculturation, and adjustment to college -Substance use questions or problems, including historical family issues -Relationships and sexuality, including non-traditional situations -Grief, even about secrets -LGBTQIA+ concerns and family issues -Workplace challenges -Parenting, adjustment to becoming a parent -Depression Our first couple meetings would focus on whether what I have to offer is a good fit for you. I can work in a solution-focused way for just a few meetings, or longer-term. I wish you the best!

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.

Welcome, First of all, be sure to take a deep breath and know that whether you choose to work with me or someone else you will get through this process! Choosing a therapist is not an easy task. I look forward to setting up a time to speak with you after you review my clinical background and training. Most college students appreciate the sense of humor and warmth that I bring to our discussions. They feel connected and engaged with a real person who cares about them in a personal way. They also appreciate my ability to help them identify practical solutions to the academic and emotional issues that they voice in our meetings. My wide range of clinical experiences allow me to help my patients move through treatment with a sense of energy and a feeling that their strengths are both appreciated and enhanced throughout the treatment process. This close relationship allows them to open-up and identify a pathway forward in their life that is meaningful, clear, and solid. To provide you with some background I would note that I am a licensed psychologist who has worked with college students for years. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, college transition stress, social skill challenges and anger management. I also help students who need specialized support in managing the organizational, writing, or academic demands of a college environment. I meet with students in individual, group, and family therapy sessions depending on the need. I also support students and their families in situations where they are stepping down from a stay in an in-patient hospital or are trying to avoid a hospitalization. My approach to treatment is holistic in that I use a range of time-tested treatment interventions to identify and address your needs in a personalized manner. I would be happy to answer any questions you have about my approach to treatment in our first phone contact. I maintain an academic appointment at Harvard Medical School and serve as a Clinical Associate at McLean Hospital, the medical school's largest teaching psychiatric hospital. I have supervised numerous psychologists, social workers, and psychiatrists over the course of my career and as such I am the Director of Training in my group practice, and I am currently training five psychology graduate students. Please feel free to email me at Perna@hms.harvard.edu or call me at 617-431-1441 in order to answer your questions. Good luck with your journey! https://www.copernican.solutions/david-a-perna-phd.html

The clients I work best with are those who are open to self-discovery and committed to enhancing their mental well-being. They’re ready to take actionable steps toward their goals and value a safe, supportive space where they can freely explore their thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Life pulls us in a lot of different directions, and it can be exhausting. Yet beneath this is a quiet invitation. An invitation to slow down. To reconnect. To breathe deeply and remember who you are. To let your feet find the ground again. And your heart find rest. It's not about fixing everything all at once. It’s about turning gently toward yourself, with curiosity and compassion, and asking: What do I need right now? What is my body telling me? What is my heart longing for? I'd love to help. I'm a licensed therapist specializing in working with young and early adults (18-39). I started my practice because I care deeply about helping people connect with who they are and what they want for their life. Together, we’ll help you nurture a healthy relationship with yourself, make sense of how the past has shaped you, and build a meaningful future. I offer individual therapy to clients across Massachusetts via Telehealth, with in-person sessions coming soon. If you’d like to learn more or schedule a free 30-minute consultation, just click the button—I’d love to connect with you!

I have spent the past five years in clinical practice supporting individuals who feel stuck or are navigating major life transitions, including college students facing academic, relational, and personal challenges. My approach is mindful and person-centered, with an emphasis on meeting you where you are. I strive to create a space where you can express yourself freely and feel understood.

I have had the privilege of working as a Clinical Social Worker in the Boston area for over 20 years. I currently have a private practice in the Boston area. I take a collaborative, practical and caring approach to psychotherapy. I have extensive experience helping people with eating disorders among many other areas of mental health. Some other areas of expertise of mine are working with individuals and couples dealing with depression/mood disorders, anxiety, stress management, relationship difficulties, substance abuse, trauma, and life transitions. I also enjoy providing supervision/consultation for therapists in training. My approach to therapy is rooted in relational & experiential therapy.I want my clients to know that they are not alone and that when working with me they have a place where they can be authentically themselves with no judgment. I use a sense of humor and bring to the session my true self and realness which makes space for transformation and lasting change. Fluent in Spanish, I have traveled extensively my entire life. I have lived in Caracas, Venezuela, Spain and England, and have traveled and lived in different parts of the United States. Having a world view has shaped me not only as an individual but as a psychotherapist and as someone who helps guide, motivate and encourage those I work with.

I bring over 25 years of experience supporting young adults through major life transitions, mental health challenges, and the everyday complexities of college life. For nearly two decades, I’ve worked at Boston College as an Associate Dean and instructor, helping students navigate academic pressure, identity development, and moments of uncertainty with compassion and clarity. I also understand the university system deeply, which allows me to help students who are coping with mental health challenges access campus supports while we work together on their therapeutic goals. My clinical work is grounded in evidence‑based, trauma‑informed approaches and a strong belief in students’ resilience. Sessions are thoughtful, personalized, and goal oriented. In our work together, I will create a space where you can understand what you’re experiencing, build on your strengths, and move through college with greater clarity and support.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive training in, and experience providing, evidence-based treatment for adolescents, adults, and couples. I strive to create a warm, safe environment in which clients are encouraged to explore the connections between their internal experiences (thoughts, feelings, urges), external events, and behaviors. My approach is collaborative and aims to empower individuals to make mindful choices in service of their goals and values. I take an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approach, and I integrate other evidence-based treatments, such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I specialize in treating anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), perfectionism, and depression. I am grateful for the privilege of working so intimately with individuals and families. I look forward to meeting with you.

Our practice is called LiveWell Therapy Associates. We have 10 therapists in our practice and we work with clients around a range of presenting issues including anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, identity, trauma among others. Our practice is specifically queer and trans affirming and our therapists tend to have a style that is interactive, authentic and strength-based. We strive to help our clients feel better about themselves, to live authentically and to understand the factors and issues that may prevent them from feeling able to live their lives to their full potential. We value the power of deep listening, empathy and validation of experience while also providing a sense of hope and the courage and skills to achieve positive change. Our clinicians clinical perspective draw from Acceptance and Commitment therapy, positive psychology, narrative therapy, CBT and other modalities most suited for the particular client and goals that we are working on. Livewell Therapy Associates is know for working with transgender and gender diverse clients and individuals who are exploring issues related to gender identity and sexuality. Our therapist specialties include: relationship issues, trauma, gender identity and transition, anxiety, depression, major life transitions, college students, coming out, ADHD, mindfulness, career decisions and couple's therapy.

My clients often need support in multiple life areas and have complex needs. I offer a compassionate, honest and gentle approach to people looking for individual therapy and support. My experience is primarily related to working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma and other emotional issues. I use a contemplative style to help you utilize your own strengths and resilience.

I have 25 years of experience and have worked as a therapist at MIT since 2018. I also now see adults in a small private practice where I prioritize in-person sessions. I enjoy helping people both to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and to gain practical strategies to move forward in ways that feel intentional, authentic, and empowering. My approach to therapy draws from insight-oriented, mindfulness-based, and skill-building perspectives and is individualized to your needs and goals. I work collaboratively to support you in being able to connect authentically. If you think my experience and approach could be a good fit for you, please reach out. I'd be happy to connect with you.

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I'm a Boston-based therapist who works with young adults and adolescents. I specialize in treating trauma and all the stuff that comes with it- bad moods, anxiety, explosive anger, poor self-esteem, sadness- you name it. I teach people skills to help them feel better in the moment while guiding them on a path of long-term healing. I'm certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and also trained with the Massachusetts Institute for Psychoanalysis. I meet with people both in-person and virtually, and I speak English and Spanish. My approach to therapy is guided by what my clients are looking for and needing most. Therapy can- and should- be tailored to your styles of communication and expression. Maybe this means you'd like a lot of structure in your sessions- using worksheets to track and review anxious thought patterns. It could mean that you'd prefer open-ended sessions to explore deeper themes that've started popping up in your life. Or perhaps you're looking for a safe space to talk about something bad that's happened. I build a safe and productive space for us to work within, whatever the case may be.

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Do you struggle with imposter syndrome, coping with traumatic events, difficulties developing a strong sense of self or managing relationships? Maybe you have been experiencing depression, anxiety or distress. Wherever you are in your journey, you are worthy of processing in a space where all aspects of you are met with acceptance, curiosity, and empowerment. As a queer, mixed-race, neurodivergent, & Latinx clinician I support individuals who are struggling to accept themselves, or may be learning to accept or better understand more about who they are. By fostering a warm and non-judgmental environment, I aim to empower you to explore your identities, spirituality, past experiences, and relationship dynamics. Together, we will navigate your unique life experiences, embrace your resilience, and foster healing and growth. If you are seeking a therapist who understands the complexities of intersecting identities while navigating various life challenges, I am here to support you on your journey. I believe in the power of storytelling, celebrating the strengths and inner wisdom within each person and their community. Please reach out to schedule a consultation appointment today.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.