Therapists for college students near Cambridge, MA

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Welcome I'm Melissa and I'm so glad you landed here! I work with young adults who are feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges—whether it’s relationship struggles, a constant worry loop that you can't get out of, low mood, struggles with food and body image, or difficulty with change. If you're reading this, you might be feeling out of balance or disconnected from what’s meaningful to you. Maybe you’re not sure what’s meaningful right now. You could be stuck in old patterns that no longer serve you, unsure about your next steps, or just know something feels "off" without being able to explain why. Or maybe you just need a safe space to explore it all. Whatever you're experiencing, it’s all valid—and it’s all welcome here.

Hello! My name is Heidi and I am a licensed psychologist. I have extensive experience helping young adults navigate a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, life transitions, identity development, relationship concerns, and family conflict. I am especially passionate about working with young women with ADHD. My therapeutic style is defined by supportive challenge — helping you step outside of your own perspective while ensuring you feel deeply cared for. I strive to create a warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental environment that fosters trust. Through a blend of humor, validation, and compassionate regard, I will help you make sense of difficult experiences and create a roadmap for meaningful change.

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.

When people come to treatment with problems, it is important to remember that they are trying to cope with them in the best way they can. With that in mind, I offer a reflective and engaging partnership with my clients, working toward the goal of helping them to be autonomous, authentic and compassionate in a world that can be extremely stressful. Although my work is solidly grounded in psychodynamic, cognitive/learning, and systems theories, my approach is client-centered, practical and strengths-based. I bring honesty, warmth, and humor to the therapy relationship. I am LGBTQ affirmative and invested in doing cross-cultural therapy which is culturally sensitive. I have a dog, Bracket, who works with me, and I have been doing AAT since 2002. There is a growing body of research which suggests that AAT (Animal-Assisted Therapy) can be helpful with a range of diagnoses, including Depression, PTSD, and Autistic Spectrum. Many therapists know little about online games such as World of Warcraft and Second Life. They may dismiss it as unimportant, or assume it is a problem. I am a gamer-affirmative therapist, meaning I’m more interested in understanding your in-world experience and activity than pathologizing it.

I work from a relational-cultural, psychodynamic lens rooted in trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and liberation-centered therapeutic work. Within a trusting relationship, we will adapt our work to your needs, which may involve use of techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), motivational interviewing, intersectional feminist therapy, narrative therapy, expressive arts therapy, and/or grief counseling. Mutuality is the essence of my work; in relationships between people, people and nature, and people and their socio-cultural-political landscape. Intentionally focused on de-pathologizing our human experiences, I work with adults navigating relational dynamics, anxiety/mood disorders, complex/interpersonal/institutional/systemic trauma, queer-trans and ethno-racial identity development, grief, transitions, immigration, body image, neurodivergence, chronic illness, and economic stressors, in context. I have worked extensively with survivors (aged 18-72) of gender-based violence in India and the US. Consensual resource-sharing, political education, therapeutic self-disclosure, seeking feedback, and reflecting on our interpersonal dynamics will be embedded within my therapeutic work, which will be adapted to your personal needs from one session to another.

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.

I look forward to working with students who are motivated to feel -- and live -- better, whether from depression, anxiety, attention difficulties or adjustment challenges.

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.

**Currently accepting new clients as of 6/22/26 ** I am a licensed psychologist in Massachusetts, and I provide individual therapy to adults experiencing depression, life transitions, grief and loss, relationship issues and internet/media addiction. I help people who are stressed, overwhelmed or feeling generally stuck to identify and overcome what is getting in the way of their happiness. My theoretical orientation is primarily humanistic with emphasis on client-centered Rogerian therapy. I also draw heavily from psychodynamic therapy, motivational interviewing, attachment theory and insight-oriented approaches. As therapy is an individual process, I tailor my approach to the needs of each person. I strive to provide a warm and comfortable space for self-reflection, with the goal of helping you to gain more insight into your life and find the courage to make changes. And I incorporate genuineness, unconditional positive regard and humor in my work. My goal is to make you feel heard and understood. I consider myself an ally and welcome all persons regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity or religious/spiritual affiliation. If you are struggling with something, you don’t have to go through it alone. Call or email me to book a free consultation. I would love to hear from you!

As an experienced and compassionate psychologist, I am committed to helping individuals on their journey towards self-discovery and personal growth. It is a privilege to work with clients who are motivated to gain insight into their thoughts, emotions, and relationships, and who aspire to evolve and improve. My therapeutic approach is collaborative, empathic, and tailored to each individual's needs. I draw from a range of evidence-based interventions, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), relational, interpersonal, and insight-oriented therapies.

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.

Therapy provides a space for you to process difficult feelings and situations. As a therapist, I help patients explore new ways of engaging with the world and with themselves. My goal is for patients to translate insights and skills into noticeable changes in their lives. My style balances pragmatism, humor, compassion, and curiosity. I treat a range of concerns, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, alcohol/substance use, relationship concerns, and life transitions. I draw on a range of theoretical approaches, emphasizing rootedness in the present moment and interpersonal connection.

Together, we can evaluate where your personality, coping skills, behaviors, lifestyle, and relational habits come together either to promote or impede your health. I am passionate about helping people who suffer from obsessions, compulsions, intrusive thoughts, avoidance, perfectionism, and other such unhelpful behaviors. My attention to all-around health is useful for working with those experiencing depression or problematic substance use. In addition, I enjoy supporting those experiencing relational or familial difficulties, romantic/sexual dissatisfaction, or working through issues at the intersection of gender and culture. Our work will be tailored to your unique goals and personality. Using interventions from ACT, ERP, CBT, and mindfulness, I will help you to act in sustainable, value-aligned ways by changing how you relate to your thoughts and emotions. Psychodynamic, existential, spiritual, and holistic health frameworks will provide additional support to our work together. With humor, insight, compassion, and skill, I can help you recognize where you get in your own way and establish new modes of being. Utilizing lived experience and a commitment to transparent, collaborative therapy, I provide a comfortable space for suffering to be aired out and reimagined. I would be honored to walk with you on your journey.

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!

My approach to psychotherapy is primarily relational and psychodynamic, guided by the concept that healing and change happen in relationship. I aim to create a containing environment where we can be compassionately curious about how your past experiences inform your present. My work incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Liberation Health Model, and mindfulness-based interventions to help meet clients’ unique and wide-ranging needs. I provide a supportive, affirming space for clients’ diverse intersecting identities and experiences (e.g., race, immigration status, gender, sexuality). I provide psychotherapy to adults of all ages and have experience helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, identity exploration, life transitions, grief and loss, shame, trauma, and relational stressors. I also have expertise supporting clients through the challenges of college, graduate school, postgraduate life, and emerging adulthood. Before arriving at CAS, I completed a postgraduate fellowship in psychodynamic psychotherapy at Cambridge Health Alliance. I also worked in university, medical, and community-based mental health services in academic counseling, peer education, and clinical research.

Life can be challenging at times and cause us to feel stuck, unhappy, and overwhelmed. We sometimes may feel confused and discouraged on how to improve our lives. In the midst of these difficult periods, we may benefit from having a supportive space to explore what makes us unhappy, challenge ourselves, gain insight, learn new skills, and explore new ways of being. I am happy to meet with you to figure out if I can be the person who can support you in this journey. I follow an integrative, relational, psychodynamic approach, incorporating cognitive-behavioral, systemic, multicultural/feminist, and experiential concepts. I strive to provide a safe, respectful, and empowering space to my clients to help them overcome their barriers to experience life in more fulfilling ways. I am certified in treatment of complex trauma. Please feel free to reach out to me for the opportunity to chat on the phone for 10-15 minutes before we meet to determine if we are a good match.

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!

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.