Therapists for college students near Northeastern 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.

Ground & Growth PLLC is a private psychiatric practice founded by Stephanie Etienne, MSN, BSN, RN, PMHNP-BC, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over six years of clinical experience. We provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health care rooted in one simple belief: Every patient deserves to be met where they are. Our Services Include: → Comprehensive psychiatric evaluations → Medication management → Individualized, holistic treatment planning We are committed to delivering the kind of care experience every patient deserves—personalized, supportive, and grounded in real-world practice.

I am a Harvard-trained psychiatrist providing psychotherapy and medication management for college students and young adults. I help individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, perfectionism, test anxiety, social anxiety, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. I have particular experience working with LGBTQ+ students and young adults, as well as those navigating identity development, college adjustment, academic stress, and uncertainty about the future. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by coursework, struggling socially, questioning your direction, or finding it difficult to meet the expectations you've set for yourself, treatment can provide a space to better understand what's getting in the way and develop a healthier path forward. My approach is collaborative, thoughtful, and individualized. I integrate psychodynamic psychotherapy with evidence-based medication management when appropriate, taking the time to understand your unique experiences, goals, and values rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. My goal is to help you not only reduce symptoms, but also develop greater self-understanding, confidence, and resilience.

When challenges in life become overwhelmingly difficult, it can sometimes feel impossible to overcome them alone. Whether it be anxiety, stress, problematic relationships, or a blurred sense of identity, I am here to help. My goal is to provide a safe and comfortable space that will allow you to discuss and work through your problems without judgment. My approach to therapy is to provide empathic understanding, authenticity, and acceptance to collaboratively address your concerns! I have experience working with a wide variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, acute stress, and relationships. I am passionate about providing empathic and compassionate care to all individuals and couples who need support in working through their problems. My care is trauma-informed and inclusive of all aspects of diversity and difference. It is completely okay to not feel okay. Reaching out for help may be the first step in getting the support needed to reach your goals!

Many people come to therapy wondering if they'll always feel this way. Anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, and complex PTSD can lead to automatic ways of thinking and responding that keep us feeling stuck. My approach focuses on helping you recognize these patterns without judgment, understand how they're affecting your life, and develop new ways of responding that create meaningful, lasting change. My treatment approach combines medication management with evidence-based psychotherapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and other evidence-based approaches, all tailored to your individual needs. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, PTSD, complex PTSD (C-PTSD), and dissociative disorders. I also work with clients experiencing academic stress, workplace stress, burnout, life transitions, relationship challenges, panic attacks, emotional regulation difficulties, and recovery from trauma. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) providing psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and psychotherapy for college students, graduate students, university faculty, university staff, adolescents, and adults. I currently work in outpatient psychiatry, provide emergency psychiatric services at South Shore Hospital, and see clients in my private practice in Brookline. Whether you are looking for therapy, medication management, or both, I strive to provide compassionate, collaborative care that helps you move beyond symptom relief and create lasting change. I also enjoy collaborating with therapists and other healthcare professionals to provide coordinated care. I offer in-person appointments in Brookline and telehealth throughout Massachusetts. I work with clients from all backgrounds and strive to create a warm, supportive, and judgment-free space where you can be yourself. Together, we'll work to better understand what's been getting in the way, build practical tools to help you feel better, and create meaningful, lasting change. My goal is to help you feel more like yourself again—not just get through each day, but truly thrive.

I offer psychodynamic therapy, which can alleviate psychological symptoms while creating a space to understand ourselves in new ways. This approach pays close attention to the smallest details of our lives, exploring our histories to better understand our struggles and desires. Symptoms are examined in the context of our lives and the forces that shape them. I view therapy as a conversation in which you can say anything. This may include speaking about your past, but it can also include dreams, fears, wishes, fantasies, or whatever else comes to mind. Together, we can be curious about what patterns emerge and what they may reveal. I provide individual therapy to individuals experiencing a range of issues, including trauma/PTSD, depression, anxiety, life transitions, college adjustment and relationship struggles. I have worked extensively with young adults who have experienced childhood trauma and serious mental illness. I also have expertise in the treatment of personality disorders. I enjoy working with clients of diverse identities and backgrounds and have worked in a variety of settings, including community mental health and inpatient settings. Much of my work has been with members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as with individuals underrepresented in therapy.

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.

Life is full of uncertainty, changes, losses, gains, and growth. Some are expected, some are not. Therapy can help you give voice to your own narratives, make sense of experiences, better understand and embrace who you are, and empower yourself for meaningful changes. This is a journey to enhance relationship with self and others, to extend the sense of safety and belonging, to know the art of accepting and forgiving, to be in touch with resiliency, to move toward self-compassion, and to have the courage of fully being and thriving. Being bilingual, I do therapy in English and Mandarin, with specialties in cross cultural adjustment, identity development, interpersonal relationships, family issues, grief and loss. I enjoy helping individuals who are going through life transitions and needing help and support on battling self critic, experiencing marginalization, and being a POC in a PWI. Therapeutic relationship is dear to my heart. I approach therapy with respect, curiosity, empathy, thoughtfulness, and collaboration. My style is warm, relational, strength based, integrative with multicultural lens and mindfulness approach. If you are interested in learning more about my practice, or have any questions to me, please contact me by phone or email.

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.

My approach to therapy is guided by the belief that healing and change occur in relation with others. I am committed to meeting people where they are, taking time to learn their unique needs and life experiences, and honoring their own self-knowledge. I strive to create a safe and contained space that fosters exploration and self-actualization. I draw from psychodynamic and relational therapies, while also integrating narrative therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). My style is warm, genuine, and collaborative, and I practice with a queer, feminist, and anti-oppressive lens. I work with adults of all ages to navigate a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, identity issues, life transitions, interpersonal struggles, grief, and loss. I specialize in working with complex and developmental trauma, relationships and attachment, and first-generation challenges and experiences. I have experience working in schools, colleges, and community mental health. My personal and professional experiences have informed my passion for working with individuals impacted by the carceral system. I also find joy in expanding and enriching the therapeutic experience through the use of music, theater, and other art forms.

Do you have a place where you can be truly heard? Therapy can be that safe, accepting place and that's what I strive to create with you: somewhere for you to bring whatever it is that you're struggling with or the stuff that feels too heavy to bear alone. Maybe your challenges are preventing you from enjoying satisfaction and contentment. Perhaps you are in a period of transition and therapy could be a space to think through decisions so you can feel more confident about your choices. Or maybe you're struggling in a relationship to overcome old patterns that have limited you until now. The good news is that you don't have to face any of this alone. I have accompanied people through these and many other issues, and in therapy we'll identify what is holding you back and help you pick up new tools to tackle these challenges. I have experience working with people from diverse backgrounds, and specialize in working with the LGBTQIA+ community. Contact me today to find out whether we're a good fit to work together!

Hello! I am a compassionate, non- judgmental, solution focused therapist. Together we will explore your goals and develop a plan to work towards success! We will identify patterns of behavior that may be obstacles to goal achievement and create new helpful patterns. I will teach you the skills you need to help yourself at a pace that creates the best outcome. We work as a team and I often suggest skills to practice in between sessions. My treatment can focus around concerns with OCD, Anxiety, Grief, Loss, Relationships, Adjustment to sudden changes, Autism, ADHD, Spirituality, Trauma, Relaxation skills, Transitions, Neurodivergent affirming LGBTQQI+ affirming, cultural affirming. Neurodiverse couples , coaching , OCD family education, I have an eclectic approach, and use many treatment strategies specifically chosen for your treatment needs. I have advanced training in treating OCD and related anxiety disorders thru the International OCD Foundation. Treatment approach is CBT, ERP, ACT, executive function skills, I am also trained in EMDR, Flash and TIST (a parts model) Please view my website for more information on OCD-EMDR-TIST

Gaia Zanna is an International, Bilingual Licensed Mental Health Psychotherapist & a Certified Clinical Supervisor, MCCS, in downtown Boston and South Natick. Originally from Bologna, Italy, Gaia has a deep understanding of different cultural backgrounds and the emotional complexity of adjusting to a new country. As a bilingual clinician, she offers sessions in English and Italian. Gaia specializes in anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family issues, infertility, loss, trauma, cultural and international adjustment. She uses a range of therapeutic eclectic approaches depending on the client's needs, including CBT, psychodynamic, cultural psychoanalysis, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, supportive therapy, DBT, IFS and narrative therapy. She is certified in the Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM) technique, a trauma recovery therapy approach that focuses on helping clients release trauma from the body. She works on empowering women in different aspects of life and its challenges regarding relationships, fertility, loss, divorce, self-esteem, gender, identity, trauma, and work environment. Gaia received her Master Degree from the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis and completed her fellowship training in child and family psychology at the Boston Institute of Psychotherapy. She is currently completing her Doctoral dissertation in the Department of Psychoanalysis, Culture and Society Program at the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis. She strives to create a sensitive, warm, empathetic, nonjudgmental, inclusive and respectful space for all of her clients. Sometimes it is difficult and scary to make sense of feelings, learning how to manage them, and being able to find healthy ways to cope while creating and fostering self-awareness. Therapy is a safe space and a confidential grounding process that through time, consistency and working together will allow you to identify and develop a healthy voice to express thoughts and feelings. I strive to help clients understand their emotional conflicts, behavioral repetitions, and their inner-self by empathetically assisting them in working through emotional difficulties and life struggles. Feeling empowered in being proactive about our health and understanding the steps towards change is a powerful and vital process to feel seen and heard.

We specialize in young adults using science based therapies from a strength based perspective. Typically, we'll utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and we'll cater our therapy approach based on a person's needs. We work with all walks of life, families, couples, and marriages. We believe hope is possible and work towards bettering a person's life.

I specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health and substance use disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, and ADHD. I am especially passionate about advocating for patients and helping them feel seen, heard, and supported throughout their mental health journey. I believe everyone deserves compassionate, respectful care where their voice matters. Mental healthcare can be life-changing when people feel genuinely supported. I incorporate evidence-based therapy modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, exposure therapy, and motivational interviewing. These approaches help build coping skills, change unhelpful thought patterns, regulate emotions, and increase motivation for behavior change, improving overall functioning and treatment outcomes. Outside of work, I unwind by spending quality time with my family, watching sitcoms, and listening to music. I also prioritize taking vacations and time away to recharge, which helps me maintain balance and return to work refreshed and present for my patients.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

My therapeutic approach is warm, gentle, collaborative, and compassionate. I use psychodynamic and person-centered approaches, along with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), motivational interviewing and mindfulness. I work from a systems and relational lens, recognizing that our lives are shaped by developmental experiences, relationships, culture, lived experiences and the broader contexts in which we live and learn. I work collaboratively with clients to explore how these influences shape their sense of self and relationships. I work with adults of all ages, backgrounds, and identities. I support clients with mood disorders, anxiety, stress, trauma, grief, identity exploration, and relationship challenges. I especially enjoy working with young adults, immigrants/international clients, and people navigating family conflict, acculturation, and career or academic pressure. Growing up in a community-oriented culture in India, I learned the value of mutual support and interdependence, which continues to shape my therapeutic style. Together, we would explore both your inner self and the systems around you, identifying sources of strength and support within yourself, as well as within your relationships and communities.

Welcome to Meridian Psychotherapy Associates — where we specialize in supporting the mental health needs of college students. We understand that college is a time of excitement and growth, but also one of stress, change, and uncertainty. Our goal is to provide a safe, understanding, and personalized space for students navigating this unique life stage. Our individual therapy addresses common student concerns such as anxiety, depression, academic stress, time management, identity exploration, and relationship challenges. Our trauma-informed therapists are attuned to the emotional, social, and academic pressures of campus life. We also offer couples therapy for college students in relationships, focusing on communication, conflict resolution, and maintaining connection amid busy schedules. For students navigating family dynamics, we help students improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen support systems. To fit student lifestyles, we provide flexible in-person and telehealth options, allowing therapy access nearby campus or home. At Meridian, our therapists are compassionate, skilled, and committed to empowering students with tools for resilience, growth, and lasting well-being—during college and beyond. Ready to take the next step? Contact us for a consultation and start building a stronger foundation for your personal and academic success.

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.

I enjoy working with students during this time of transition in their lives. Away from home, students must learn to structure their time to study and embark on a social life. This is a good opportunity to develop self-awareness and discover which relationships are best for them. Most of my clients are creative: writers, musicians, actors, artists, photography, and film. Many are introverts and/or highly sensitive people. I help them embrace their introversion as a gift rather than a liability.