Therapists for college students near Cambridge, MA

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

My mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your unique needs. I have extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health challenges—including depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, difficulties in relationship, schizophrenia, problematic substance use, and gender dysphoria. Additionally, my approach to therapy is conversational and client-lead. We will use a variety evidence-based tools in our work together, including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and acceptance and commitment therapy. To schedule a consult with me, please reach out by phone or e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you and being part of your care team!

Starting college can be an exciting time, opening so many new doors in terms of defining one’s identity and sense of purpose in life, as well as establishing a network of meaningful friendships. It however also involves letting go of one’s reliance on family and friends and engaging many new options which can be quite overwhelming. So many students start to experience anxiety or depression and begin to struggle with relationship or career concerns. I really enjoy working with college students during this complicated but promising period of their life, and helping them navigate the pitfalls and create an enriching experience for themselves. I have 20 years of experience and take an insight oriented approach to my work. I try to help people gain clarity about themselves and determine what is of real value to them so they can make better decisions and create a healthy and meaningful life experience for themselves.

"When I discover who I am, I'll be free."-Ralph Ellison. I believe that many of the challenges that inhibit us from achieving our goals are related to the difficulty in knowing ourselves and how we can maximize our strengths in order to meet the challenges we face. I believe that no matter what your presenting issue, awareness of our own goals, values, and strengths are critical. It is my goal to help clients cultivate self-awareness in order to achieve their therapeutic goals. I am a clinical social worker who specializes in working with college-age students and young adults. Using a collaborative approach, I work with clients to develop a shared understanding of the goals and preferred outcomes for therapy. I draw on many theories including cognitive-behavioral therapy, liberation health, feminist, and multicultural theories. In working with clients I strive to address the personal, institutional, and cultural factors that might be affecting a client's presentation. If you have any questions for me, or think we may be a good fit, please reach out today. I prefer initial contact to be through email, however if you do call, please be sure to leave a detailed voicemail.

Due to the pandemic, I currently only offer telehealth visits.

Are you trying to find the balance between academics and personal life? Stressed? Life transitions? Relationship Issues? etc. I have 35+ years of Clinical Experience and have worked with many Graduate Students. * psychologytoday, and good therapy

I work with clients that are ready to address issues in relationships by addressing the thoughts and behaviors that play a role. Initial sessions look at patterns that impact communication, intimacy, and connection with self and others. We strive to lead with more of who you actually are and less of who you think you "should" be. I work with people who are ready to go deep — not just to feel better, but to understand themselves in a more integrated and compassionate way. Many of my clients are independent, driven, and thoughtful — and they’re longing for a space where they can be vulnerable without performing, fixing, or figuring it all out right away. This work isn’t about becoming someone new. It’s about becoming more you. Together, we’ll explore the patterns that shaped you, the parts of you that have been trying to protect you, and the deeper truths that are ready to be heard. I hold space for both your personal healing and the ways larger systems affect your I know that finding a therapist that is the "right fit" is most important and would be honored to begin exploring this possibility with you. I am dedicated to offering affirming care and am continually working to provide an LGBTQ+ informed space.

You have learned how to survive and be strong, and still it can feel heavy. This is a space where all parts of you are welcome, without judgment. If you are feeling anxious, depressed, stressed, or emotionally drained, or struggling with your sense of self, identity, or relationships, you are in the right place. You are the expert of your own life. You can show up as you are to speak your truth, laugh, cry, curse, or simply just be. Progress in therapy looks different for everyone. For you, it could be feeling more insightful and equipped to manage daily life’s stressors. It could be having more patience and tolerance for others. It could be feeling more supported, confident, calm, and/or optimistic. It could be feeling like you have a greater sense of stability, and purpose. As a trauma survivor, I know how brave it is to start therapy. You matter. You are important. You deserve a peaceful and fulfilling life where you feel more empowered and in control. You do not have to face this journey alone. We will do it together, at your own pace, with practical strategies, real progress, and true healing.

My ideal client is someone who is ready and motivated to dive in head first into their healing journey. Someone who knows they have their “stuff” but really wants to explore where it all stems from. I love working with those clients who just trying to figure it all out in this life (I see you, Millennials) and who are navigating the transitions and curveballs that can be thrown our way. I love meeting the client where they’re at to begin with, but don’t be surprised when I push you a little bit. I’ve been told that I have a really great way of understanding mental health, but I’m also known not to sugar coat the realities. I am trained in EMDR (A trauma processing modality using eye movements) and other trauma informed care models to explore the aspects of our past and handle the bigger emotions that could come along with that. Being real and relatable is very important to me in my sessions as the therapist/client connection is what will drive this boat. As your therapist, I can promise to provide you the tools to step outside of your own head and connect the dots that answer the question of “Why am I the way that I am”? Therapy is not always easy and we need to be honest with ourselves with what’s holding us back, but I can promise to provide positive vibes and great support every single time we meet.

Feeling stuck in your relationships—whether with friends, partners, or even yourself? It’s common to feel overwhelmed by misunderstandings, anxiety about caring for others, or the pressure to “have it all together.” For many students, relationships shift fast: new independence, long-distance friendships, the challenge of dating while studying, or balancing your own needs with others’. I work with students who… • find themselves repeating the same argument or feeling misunderstood in a partnership • struggle to connect emotionally or feel distant from friends • worry they’re always giving more than they receive • feel unsure about who they are when they’re in a relationship • want healthier boundaries and more confidence in saying “me too” Together, we’ll create a space where you can slow down, explore how you relate, and build the skills to communicate clearly, be seen, and feel supported, not just in your relationships, but in your life. Because the most important relationship you’re building right now is with you. If you’re ready to find a more grounded, authentic connection—with others and yourself—let’s talk.

If you're struggling with persistent sadness, lack of energy, or difficulty concentrating, you're not alone. Perhaps anxiety leaves you breathless, or stress manifests physically. Maybe irritability is affecting your relationships, or daily tasks feel insurmountable. Whether you're trying to manage chronic issues, adjusting to a new environment, or seeking to improve your overall well-being, our services are tailored to support your unique journey.

If you have come here to find a counselor, please know I consider it an honor and privilege to hear your story. As a licensed mental health counselor, I bring experience with college age, adult and senior populations in order to provide a supportive, encouraging and safe confidential space. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, social challenges, college transition, family independence, trauma, family conflict, relationship conflict, grief, infertility, separation/divorce, codependency, boundaries work, life transitions, career development, work-place challenges, sport-related issues, obsessive thoughts, unwanted ruminating thoughts, peer relationships, spirituality and more. Notes about my approach: 1. I consider you the expert on your life. I aim for our sessions to be respectful, with the belief that you know the details and dimensions of your life in far greater depth than anyone. This is why I find it utmost important to continuously work to help you help us to know what feels like it fits. 2. You are in the driver’s seat. I believe we each inherently know when we are ready to approach topics or issues. We will work together to discover those in a manageable, safe and healing way. 3. I know it will take time to get to know and trust each other. I think this is ok and good. As we go, we will learn how to best utilize our sessions in in the most helpful, hopeful way.

Working with young adults and colleges students struggling with anxiety, life transitions, trauma, and relationship challenges is something I've had the privilege to do for more than 15 years. I have expertise working with individuals with anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). I received my B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and my Doctorate from Widener University. I have a passion for supporting my clients through challenges and growth in their lives. My approach to therapy is one of collaboration. We will work together to learn how to reduce and manage symptoms in ways that make sense to you given your own unique personal and cultural background. Drawing most heavily from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) our sessions will focus on empirically supported treatments that have been shown to help individuals make tangible and concrete changes in their lives. I utilize a warm, engaging style to help those I work with develop your strengths and gain insight into patterns that are hindering you from achieving your potential in all areas of life. The opportunity to be a part of someone’s journey while they make changes in their life is the ultimate privilege. I invite individuals to reach out for a free 15-minute consultation to make sure that we are a good fit and to answer any questions you have about what to expect in treatment. I look forward to taking steps in our work together.

I specialize in working with couples, families, and individuals of diverse genders, sexualities, and relationships including queer, trans and nonbinary, BDSM and kinky, and nonmonogamous/poly folks. Please feel free to check out my website for more info at <CharlesStrauss.com>. Aside from my private practice, I also facilitate the free monthly drop-in trans-inclusive Bisexual and Bi-Curious Men's Group 7-9pm every second Tuesday of the month, currently meeting online. For more info, go to <https://www.meetup.com/Bi-Community-Activities/>.

I am currently accepting new clients & have evening openings. As your therapist, I strive to create a space in which you feel comfortable to explore your inner world in a deep and meaningful way. I work to provide support while challenging any maladaptive patterns. Therapy can help deepen insight, create healthier thinking and habits, and explore strengths while healing. My therapeutic approach is strengths-based and client-centered, and together we can help you realize your potential. I incorporate CBT, mindfulness, solution-focused, and trauma-informed therapy, depending on the specific needs and preferences of each of my clients. My practice specializes in adolescents and adults. I work with individuals who are experiencing difficulties in their lives due to life transitions, anxiety, low self-esteem, mood disorders, and more. I believe that you are the expert of your own life, and my role is to support and challenge you to create healthier balance and reach your goals. With my therapy clients, I believe that the healing comes from having a strong, genuine connection between the client and the therapist. My goal is to provide empathy, support, and validation in order to encourage my clients to feel comfortable exploring their inner experiences and making healthy and positive changes.

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.

If you’ve been finding yourself stuck in old patterns that you cannot change, perhaps struggling with feelings of inadequacy or fear of failure, you’ve come to the right place.  The constant doubting and shaming of a strong inner critic can prevent us from entering new relationships, pursuing our interests and goals, and convince us that it’s not safe to allow anyone to get to know our true selves. Choosing to confront these themes in therapy takes courage and vulnerability, and represents the first step in a decision to prioritize your mental health. I will work with you to explore the themes that brought you to therapy, and develop the self-compassion to show up more authentically in your life.  My therapeutic style is compassionate, sometimes humorous, and client-led. I center my work around Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and the Internal Family Systems (IFS) approach, and I often pull from relational or psychodynamic modalities as well. I work with adolescents and adults of all backgrounds, and I specialize in working with those who identify as athletes or performers (musicians, actors, dancers, etc.) If you’re interested in starting therapy to address some of those old patterns or painful feelings, I hope you’ll take the time to consider if we would work well together.

Welcome! I believe that a meaningful therapeutic relationship begins with trust and a genuine connection between client and therapist. I understand that starting therapy can feel overwhelming, and my goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, supported, and able to work through challenges at a pace that feels right for you. In my practice, I specialize in working with college and graduate students, as well as with women’s issues, helping individuals navigate the unique stressors and transitions they face. Whether you’re dealing with academic pressures, relationship concerns, or the complexities of identity and personal growth, I offer a collaborative and integrative approach tailored to your individual needs. My work is informed by relational, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioral approaches. My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, life transitions, academic and career stress, relationship concerns, family conflict, and self-esteem. If you’re considering therapy, I encourage you to reach out— I’d love to support you as you navigate this chapter of your life.

You may appear confident on the outside, but internally struggle with self-doubt, anxiety, or fear of rejection. Many of my clients feel “too much” and not enough at the same time, which can show up as overgiving, withdrawing, or difficulty setting boundaries. I work with high-achieving individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, and grief—often expressed through overthinking, emotional avoidance, or disconnection. These patterns are often rooted in early experiences, cultural pressures, or navigating marginalized identities, all of which can shape how we view ourselves and relate to others. Together, we work to build a more grounded sense of self, increase emotional awareness, and shift away from survival patterns like numbing, overcontrolling, or checking out. My goal is to help you feel more confident, connected, and at ease in your life and relationships. I especially enjoy working with BIPOC clients, Asian Americans, first-generation individuals, and those exploring identity and belonging. I offer a free, no-pressure consultation to see if we’re a good fit.

People come to see me when they feel stuck and have had enough. I help parents help their children; help couples and families get closer and happier; and in general help people successfully resolve issues such as: stress, anxiety, adjustment to new life circumstances (relocation, family changes), relationship issues (divorce, extra-marital affairs, conflict), and dealing with difficult family members. I work with individuals and families dealing with medical conditions that can be affected by stress (Gastrointestinal issues, pain, sleep disturbances). I also work with people interested in specific skill building such as: stress/anxiety management, assertiveness and dealing with conflict, communication, and more.