Therapists for college students near Cambridge, MA

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.

Are you a diamond in the rough? I provide social psychologically informed therapy that looks concentratedly at each client's various emotions in context, how and why emotions arise in relationships and what they have to tell us. I help clients look at their complex feelings related to self, break ups, loss of connection, and unresolved grief or anger, and their positive feelings. I try to help clients persist at these times to discover unrealized strengths, better connections. I work with a sense of humor, realism and practicality. I hope my clients can feel secure and increasingly present, and make smarter, more conscious choices. I am a Licensed Psychologist. My education consists of a B.A. from Brown University, an M.L.A. in Social Psychology from Harvard University, and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology.

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.

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.

My expertise is working with college students as I've worked at MIT for 22 and a half years at the MIT MH Counseling Service. Have worked with students from the US and all over the worlds on a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, academic challenges, sexual identity, cultural adjustment and relationships issues.

Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or family conflict? You don’t have to face it alone. I specialize in helping adults work through overwhelming emotions, painful family dynamics, and the lasting effects of difficult or abusive relationships. Together, we process complex trauma, build healthier boundaries, and foster resilience, healing, and growth. I’m a licensed Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts with over 10 years of experience. As a bilingual therapist (English & Spanish), I value the role that culture, identity, and lived experience play in shaping your mental health journey. My care is warm, collaborative, and culturally responsive, always tailored to your unique needs and goals. My approach is integrative, drawing from psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, mindfulness-based practices, solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, and attachment-based therapy. This flexibility allows us to use the approaches and strategies that best fit your circumstances. I am in-network with BCBS, Aetna, Cigna/Evernorth, Tufts, and Optum. Let’s connect. I offer a free 15-minute consultation so you can share your needs, ask questions, and see if we’re a good fit.

In my practice I work with older adolescents and adults, focusing on personal awareness, empowerment, building skills for navigating life stressors, and enriching personal relationships. I have over 15 years of experience working in the areas of addictions, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship development. Together we will explore patterns and choices that contribute to your accomplishments and struggles. We will work towards self-awareness while remaining solution-focused, and will use the strengths you already possess to build more skills for managing the challenges that life brings.

Are you struggling with adjusting to college, managing anxiety and stress? Do you feel it is challenging to make meaningful social connections? If your anxiety and stress are getting in the way of your daily life, it might be a good time to connect with a therapist who can help. Let’s work together to create a plan so you feel confident in managing your emotions and gain a sense of control in this life stage filled with new experiences and transitions. Continue reading to learn how booking a therapy session is the one of the best decisions you can make. I specialize in helping college and grad school students develop strategies to reduce stress, anxiety and build strong connections. We'll work together to identify ways to manage your emotions, work on changing your anxious thoughts to more realistic ones and find healthy ways to connect with others and manage daily stressors. Send me an email or give me a call to get started and we'll schedule a free 15 minute consultation. We can work together to make being a college or grad school student less scary! Please note, I only provide telehealth services to those who are physically in Massachusetts or Maine. My availability is Monday through Thursday from 10am - 7pm.

I work with college students who are adjusting to the transition and stressors of academic life. I enjoy working with college students who need support around balancing academic and athletics. I also work with students who are dealing with family and relationship (friendship or romantic) conflict.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) providing psychotherapy to individual adults, couples and groups. As a clinician, I prioritize collaboration, curiosity and inclusion. My treatment approach emphasizes a strong therapeutic relationship centered on your experiences and goals. I incorporate evidenced-based approaches into treatment that aligns with your needs -- including cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), psychodynamic, relational and solutions-focused methods. In addition to my private practice, I am a staff member in the Department of Psychiatry at a Boston hospital.

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.

I specialize in providing therapy to students who are experiencing life transitions and/or have been impacted by serious illness and/or chronic illness in their lives. Therapy is focused on helping you as you adjust, cope and navigate your unique situation by providing support and guidance. I utilize a variety of modalities including, Cognitive-behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfullness, Grief Therapy and others to tailor each session to your needs.

My approach is collaborative and open-minded. I offer both long-term and short-term psychotherapy. True healing occurs when individuals can reflect on the ways they engage with others, with the world, and with themselves. Relationships are often a focus because it is here that struggles often present themselves.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in evidence-based treatment for anxiety, OCD-related concerns, phobias, and sleep difficulties Over the past several years, I have noticed that many college students struggle academically due to undiagnosed ADHD, executive functioning challenges, and attention-related concerns that may go overlooked. In response to this need, I have added comprehensive and affordable ADHD diagnostic testing to my practice to help students better understand their difficulties, access appropriate treatment recommendations, and obtain accommodations when clinically indicated for academic settings and standardized testing. In addition to ADHD testing, I frequently work with students experiencing anxiety, obsessive thinking, perfectionism, panic, OCD symptoms, sleep disruption, and stress related to academic performance and life transitions.

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.

I specialize in working with clients who are experiencing a multitude of challenges, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, disability/chronic illness, identity exploration, and challenges with self-esteem. This can include family/relationship issues, life transitions (including college/early adulthood), or identity formation. I specialize in working with neurodivergent individuals, especially women with ADHD. Supporting LGBTQ+ mental health from an intersectional lens is another focus. I also have an interest in working with clients who are exploring immigrant experience, family dynamics, and generational trauma. I previously worked in college counseling (at Wellesley College) and residential life (at Harvard College), so I'm well-attuned to the specific experiences and challenges of college student life! As a relational psychodynamic therapist, I believe that our experiences are shaped by our relationships with ourselves, other people, and the world at large. My work is informed by feminist, queer, disability, and critical race theory. I also integrate narrative therapy, which allows us to reimagine the stories we tell about ourselves and our lives. I am deeply attentive to how identity and marginalization can impact one's experiences and movement through the world. In my work, I strive for a trauma-informed, culturally-sensitive, and socially just practice. I meet clients with curiosity, warmth, and nuance to explore their experiences, relationships, and challenges. My goal is to co-create a welcoming and supportive space in which clients can tell/retell their stories, appreciate their strengths, and work towards their goals

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.

You are welcome to call me directly for a free 15 min. consultation. From there, you'll learn more about my working style and can ask any questions you may have. My office is conveniently located in Harvard Square near the Harvard T stop and the 77 Bus route. I also provide online therapy, if needed.