Therapists for college students near Boston College

My fundamental belief is that people have the strength within them to make the changes they desire, if only they could access it. I work with each person in a tailored and individualized way, to capitalize on their strengths and harness their hidden resilience. I have spent my career working with people across the lifespan coping with various life stressors, achieving balance with competing demands, and specific mental health conditions including anxiety. The best way to get to the destination is to start the journey. For more details, please go to: www.weksnerpsychotherapy.com

I enjoy working with college and graduate students and have had many students from the colleges in Boston and the surrounding areas. I assess and treat those struggling with symptoms of anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, relationship issues, social anxiety, and weight issues. My husband is a Taiwanese immigrant and as a mother of a biracial child I am familiar with acculturation and identity struggles. I've worked in multiple weight and pediatric/adolescent clinics and many of the Boston hospitals, as well as UMASS Medical Center Worcester, and often get the feedback that clients like that I'm specific with my feedback and suggestions and don't just nod my head. Well I know human behavior, you know you best, and working together I enjoy seeing my clients lives change and being a part of their growth.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Jessica Shaw, MS, RD, LDN earned her bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of New Hampshire where she got the chance to provide support for peers with eating disorders under the Health Services department. She then went on to complete her master’s degree in Nutrition and Health Promotion at Simmons University. Alongside her master’s program, she also completed her Dietetic Internship through Simmons in the Eating Disorder track where she gained experience at Monte Nido, The Renfrew Center, and several outpatient practices specializing in eating disorders. Jessica worked full time at Walden Behavioral Care’s residential eating disorder program, a 24-hour level of care, throughout its transition to its newer 82-bed facility. There, she treated all ages, genders, and types of eating disorders with an individualized approach. Jessica takes a firm, supportive stance with her clients and has been known to give just the right amount of push while working with her clients to set realistic goals. She utilizes various counseling styles in her sessions including motivational interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Enhanced (CBT-E), and the Family Based Treatment (FBT) approach for adolescents. She then went on to work outpatient in a local private practice for several years before pursuing private practice on her own. In her time outside of work, Jessica loves finding new restaurants to try out and enjoys spending time at the beach. She has also been a figure skater her whole life and has been a coach for over five years, sharing her love for the sport.

The treatment I provide is influenced by relational, attachment-based, and psychodynamic modalities. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity concerns, trauma, and stress related to work and relationships. I work with adults of all ages and backgrounds to address their presenting symptoms, as well as explore the underlying roots of these symptoms to establish long-term benefits. I believe therapy is most effective when there is a trusting and open therapeutic relationship, so we will work together to identify a meaningful approach to your care. I’m experienced in working with culturally diverse and LGBTQ populations. Prior to earning my degree in counseling, I worked with LGBTQ youth and young adults in the Boston community at a nonprofit organization dedicated to health education. I understand how difficult it can be to find a good match in therapy, I encourage you to contact me for an initial phone call, and we can discuss how we might work together.

Kathy Clair-Hayes is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Jamaica Plain, MA specializing in grief and loss, life transitions, depression, and anxiety. Kathy particularly enjoys working with individuals navigating life transitions, such as beginning a new job, starting school, or becoming a parent. She also has extensive experience and training in supporting those dealing with illness, grief, and loss. Kathy has over two decades of experience as a medical social worker at Massachusetts General Hospital, where she worked with individuals who have cancer and their families. Her treatment approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Practices, and Supportive Therapy. Kathy works with young adults, adults, couples, and parents. She takes a warm and engaging approach, helping clients embrace their strengths and works towards a place of mental and physical well-being.

Inevitably, life presents difficulties, and can be challenging for many different reasons. Sometimes the things that bring people to therapy are very specific: perhaps a major life transition has become overwhelming, or certain patterns within a relationship are starting to take a toll. Pressures in some particular setting, whether it is at school, at work, or at home, may be feeling too difficult to navigate alone. Other times, people come to therapy a little less certain, feeling confused and unsure about where their life is headed, wanting something more. It’s not always easy to answer the question, “What brings you here?” People tend to doubt their inner strengths, and don’t quite realize how many resources they in fact possess. I have found that, though conversation with a trusted person, people can more easily identify and then build on those strengths. In my work with children, we often talk about expanding their “toolbox,” so that they have the skills to better manage overwhelming emotions and navigate complicated social situations. With teenagers and young adults, we often find ourselves talking about questions of identity development - the process of learning about who we are, how we got there, and what we want for ourselves moving forward. I see growth and development as a lifetime process, and, in my work with adults, we address all these issues in increasingly varied and complex ways, while also working together to navigate complex challenges presented by a world that can be arbitrary and unfair. My past experiences, doing individual and family therapy with people of all ages, of diverse backgrounds, and difficult, sometimes traumatic histories and life circumstances, have engendered within me a core belief that with the right support and collaboration, it is possible to make meaningful and long-lasting changes.

Hi there, I am so glad you’re here. Whether you're feeling stuck, anxious, overwhelmed, or just trying to figure things out, I offer a calm, compassionate space where you can breathe, speak freely, and be fully yourself. I’m a warm, caring listener who shows up with patience, presence, and deep respect for whatever you’re carrying. I specialize in supporting people through life’s in-between moments - whether it’s starting college, questioning identity, launching into adulthood, adjusting after a loss, or facing the “what now?” moments of life. I believe growth happens when we feel safe enough to show up just as we are, and I’m here to support you at your pace. My background includes years of working with adolescents and young adults in school, community, and clinical settings. I hold licenses in Clinical Social Work as well as School Adjustment Counseling. I draw from a range of approaches, including person-centered, trauma-informed, and strengths-based practices, to create the therapeutic space that works best for you. I bring a grounded, nonjudgmental presence and see our work as a collaborative process. I’m here to help you deepen self-understanding, explore your values, and build the tools to move forward with clarity and confidence. I am LGBTQ+ affirming, neurodiversity affirming, and committed to creating an inclusive space for all identities and lived experiences. My goal is for you to feel truly seen, heard, and supported in every session. Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, so I offer a free 15-minute consultation so we can connect, talk through what you're looking for, and see if it feels like a good fit. You deserve support that feels right for you.

I’m Colleen Madden, PMHNP, specializing in medication management for college students. Whether it’s ADHD, anxiety, or mood concerns, I’ll help you find the right support—without judgment and with your busy schedule in mind. Virtual visits. Afternoon and evening hours available. A safe, understanding space to help you feel like yourself again.

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I specialize in supporting folks who are navigating the impacts of complex trauma. Complex trauma can occur as a result of violence in the home, relationships, school systems, community environments, the workplace, & systemic oppression. I take an in-depth, trauma-informed psychodynamic approach to therapy that feels accessible and relational in nature. With an in-depth approach to therapy, I strive to create a safe space for clients as they process difficult emotions, identify patterns, dismantle shame blockages, and repair intrapersonal trust. My approach to therapy works well for those who are seeking a deeper exploration of themselves and the world around them. In our first session together, you can expect me to be compassionate, curious, and highly attentive as I begin to know you at a pace that feels right for you.

Life transitions—whether starting college, adjusting to new environments, navigating relationships, transitioning to a new place—can feel exciting but also overwhelming. I am Dr. Dana Albert-Proos, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with more than 15 years of experience supporting individuals across life stages and through meaningful transitions. I have a passion for working with students as they adjust and manage college life. Over the years, I have worked with students facing a wide range of needs, from managing academic pressure and social dynamics to coping with emotional health concerns. I also bring extensive experience supporting international students as they cope with the emotional impact of relocation and cultural adjustment. My approach is tailored to each person and emphasizes the mind–body connection. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), emotional regulation techniques, mindfulness and body-based practices, and Expressive Arts Therapy. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive space where you can reflect on your experiences, build resilience, and take meaningful steps toward growth and balance. Through a collaborative process shaped around your needs, we will work together toward your goals and support your unique journey. Whether you are ready to begin or simply curious to learn more, I warmly invite you to reach out.

With 12 years of experience in the mental health field, I take a thoughtful, compassionate, and interactive approach to therapy. I specialize in working with individuals and couples facing challenges such as trauma, ADHD, depression, anxiety, feelings of dissatisfaction, childhood trauma, and relationship challenges. My career includes working with adolescents, in-home family therapy, chronic mental health needs, and primary care settings. I have recently graduated with my Master's in Mental Health Counseling from Framingham State University in May 2024. In my work with couples, I recognize that communication can often be a significant barrier to connection. Many couples I work with experience their own mental health needs, which can complicate interactions and lead to misunderstandings. I create a safe and supportive environment where partners can openly express their thoughts and feelings. Together, we explore the underlying issues that may be hindering communication/connection and work on strategies to enhance understanding and empathy. Using techniques from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and psychodynamic approaches, I help couples develop practical skills for healthier communication. This includes learning how to express needs effectively, navigate conflict, and build emotional intimacy. My goal is to empower couples to reconnect and strengthen their relationships, even in the face of individual challenges. I extend my couple’s work to family therapy, in which I work with small family systems around communication and interactional patterns. For individuals, I focus on fostering self-discovery and skill building. I help clients develop coping strategies tailored to their unique experiences and mental health needs. From Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I pull a blend of coping strategies and reframing to assist individuals in changing what they can change and learning to tolerate/accept what they cannot change. From my experience in primary care, I incorporate wellness both emotionally and physically into sessions. As a recent college graduate, I can relate to the challenges of modern day students. I believe therapy is a collaborative process and as is such, invite clients to share their concerns and feedback throughout the process. My style pulls from a blend of approaches and my approach is interactive. When beneficial, I collaborate with other service providers to enhance our work together. I look forward to walking alongside your journey.

I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with 20 years of experience working in mental health. I have worked in a variety of settings and roles - both inpatient and outpatient - treating patients from all walks of life. While I primarily prescribe medication, I try to incorporate holistic approaches to care when appropriate. I specialize in providing evidence based treatment for anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, Bipolar disorder, sleep disorders, and mood disorders. My goal is support my clients in meeting their mental health goals to improve their quality of life.

Dr. Bruett provides warm, compassionate, collaborative care that is backed by science, and loves working with college and graduate students. She has specialized training in cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness, exposure and response prevention, emotion focused family therapy, and other evidence-based practices. She provides care to individual of all backgrounds and identities. She is licensed in Massachusetts and California.

I have been working mainly with young adults in their 20s to 30s, especially Asian-Americans, who are dealing with the turning points in their lives such as career, relationships, family issues, and identities. I also work with bi-cultural, bi-racial couples, families, and their children.

My name is Ivy Tran, PhD and I am a licensed clinical psychologist. I love to help my clients navigate mental health challenges and adjust to significant life changes--whether adjusting to college, relationships or family changes, or managing anxiety and depression, I am here to give you the skills and confidence to return to the life you want. I take a client-centered, empathic, and non-judgmental approach to therapy to support your goals and celebrate your success. Clients who value an authentic connection and are ready to commit to meaningful change are great matches for me. Whether you are brand new to therapy or are looking for a change of pace from a previous provider, I meet each client where they are.

I believe that therapy can be a space to feel understood and challenged, find relief, reflect, and grow—in yourself, your relationships, and your world. And I believe that making the decision to seek therapy is an honest and brave one. ABOUT THERAPY WITH ME I am so glad you’ve landed here and I hope to support you on this path. I welcome college students, graduate students, and young adults of all identities for both short- and long-term therapy. These unique and complex life stages are times of significant development, change, and often uncertainty. I offer therapy that is tailored to your specific needs. I attend to immediate concerns and make space for greater understanding of your identities, sense of self, relationships, exposures to trauma and oppression, and early experiences. Above all, I think of therapy as a relationship and a collaboration: Together, we recognize where you struggle and where you shine, understand what you seek, develop awareness, access feelings, and explore new ways of relating and connecting. Patients find that I am active in our work together, and that I blend exploration of emotions and insights with warmth, curiosity, and humor. I currently offer weekday morning and early afternoon appointments online. I expect to offer in-person in Cambridge, MA later in 2025. ABOUT ME I hold a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from George Washington University and a Master in City Planning from MIT. I completed my pre-doctoral internship at Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School and my post-doctoral fellowship at Boston College University Counseling Services. I have advanced training in perinatal mental health from Postpartum Support International. I work in both English and Spanish. I'm a white, cisgender woman of Greek, Eastern European, and English descent, and I think about the kinds of power I do and don't hold in different spaces. I also think about how the intersecting layers of our identities, and of our personal and ancestral histories, are inextricably linked to who we are and what we bring to therapy. To all my work, I bring an understanding of my own identities and histories, and a deep respect for the transformative power of vulnerability, interdependency, and movements for racial, economic, and social justice.

Deciding to make and sustain change can be challenging. It's normal to feel ambivalent. I will meet you where you are, and help you define and pursue your own goals. I believe that your journey is unique, and you are the only one who can define what success means for you. My practice focuses on providing a safe, trauma-informed, judgment-free space where healing can begin. I am a physician board certified in Internal Medicine and in Addiction Medicine. I have extensive experience with behavioral health treatment. I provide therapy and medication management, when appropriate. My approach is rooted in empathy, authenticity, curiosity and pragmatism.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.