Therapists for college students near Harvard University

I am a licensed educational psychologist and psychotherapist. There are times in life when you may struggle with social-emotional issues that are overwhelming. You may be dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, social stress, relational conflicts, low self-esteem, poor impulse control, trauma, or the challenges of college life. Navigating the myriad of social stressors frequently requires learning new skill sets, which at times may include further development of your Emotional Intelligence (EQ). My goal is to support you as the author of your story and create an approach that fits your unique needs. I focus on helping clients build those inner resources and when possible a network of support that help them weather the challenges in life and promote lasting change. My treatment modality is holistic and integrative. Everyone is unique and as individuals no one therapeutic style may work for everyone. I may incorporate parts of different therapeutic approaches to create a custom fit based on each client's needs.

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I have training and experience in treating a variety of psychological problems, and I specialize in treating anxiety and OCD. I have specialized training in the most modern psychological treatments that are supported by research evidence. My style is warm and collaborative; I am dedicated to understanding your experience and helping you make changes that are important to you. My approach to therapy is most closely aligned with a form of cognitive behavioral therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which uses mindfulness and acceptance strategies as well as behavior change strategies to help you become more actively engaged in your life. In addition to private practice, I have an appointment at Harvard Medical School, am on staff at Brigham and Women's Hospital where I maintain an OCD and anxiety specialty clinic and am involved in clinical research.

If you've been feeling emotionally overwhelmed and it's affecting your sleep, work, or relationships, today is a good day to prioritize your well-being! I offer telehealth sessions throughout Massachusetts and Virginia, and in person walk-and-talk sessions in Charlottesville, VA. I specialize in helping young adults manage stress, anxiety, feelings of isolation, depression, or of not feeling good enough that can accompany being a college student in an academically rigorous environment. If your previous ways of dealing with challenges are not working, you find yourself drinking more than you used to, not sleeping well, or not feeling able to connect with your friends and family, this is a good time to get additional support. I take an active role in helping you sort out the best way to approach your challenges and teach you the foundations of mental health so you get back on track. Together we will explore the connection between how you live and how you feel, and identify the areas that feel out of balance. I take a comprehensive holistic approach to wellness because, for the people I work with, traditional talk therapy is often not enough. Our mental health is impacted by our environment, sleep, physical activity, what we eat, relationships, beliefs, thoughts, and behaviors–and I believe our mental health care should include these elements as components of the whole system. Evidence-based tools we may incorporate include meditation and somatic mind-body practices, techniques to work with thought patterns, interpersonal skills, and lifestyle interventions. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to discuss if we are a good fit to help you achieve your goals!

Over the past more than 10 years of practice in psychotherapy, I am always amazed by people’s resilience, their longing and efforts for something better. I feel privileged to be part of their journey. While I have worked in a variety of clinical settings, including 5 university counseling centers, I have deeply enjoyed working with college students and young adults during an important transitional period in their lives. I approach therapy from a strength-based, humanistic perspective which integrate Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), interpersonal process, Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Emotional focused Therapy and mindfulness. I was born and grew up in China. Living in two different cultures has its own challenges and rewards. I learned to appreciate the richness of human experiences and cultures, also practice therapy through a multicultural lens. I am bilingual, provide psychotherapy both in English and Mandarin.

Supportive Minds was founded by two clinicians passionate about providing community- and empowerment-oriented mental health services. We are a new specialty addictions/high-risk behaviors outpatient group practice that offers inclusive, harm-reduction-oriented addiction and mental health services. We service adult and adolescent populations that include traditionally vulnerable and underserved populations. We offer confidential and safe mental health services that are flexible and customized to our clients in the community, in our office space, or virtually on telehealth. We are trained in various evidence-based clinical models of care. We are a minority-owned business and proud to serve the people of Massachusetts. We at Supportive Minds, PLLC believe in creating entry points for access to high-quality mental health services, especially for vulnerable populations (BIPOC, LGBTQ, and women). We believe in providing evidence-based harm-reduction-oriented treatment and support for high-risk behaviors. We believe in our duty to care and see ourselves in the suffering of others so that we may collectively listen, understand, and when possible, offer support toward empowerment and change.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Welcome! Working with a diverse population for many years widen my appreciation toward everyone I encounter in the therapy room. My new clients often ask me, “What is your approach or therapy model?” Learning from years valuable experience, I do not take a blueprint or “one-size-fits-all” approach for clients. Every client has an individualized curriculum. You may be feeling distressed, facing difficulties in your personal or professional relationships, contemplating a major life transition, or navigating a health crisis. No matter what challenge brings, I will help you in resolving conflicts and strengthening your relationships. I will explore your options in a collaborative way while taking into consideration the hopes, expectations, values, and preferences that are significant to you. Using clinical sophistication and expertise I incorporate humility, kindness, and passion to create a caring environment. My life experience encompasses living in the Eastern hemisphere and Western hemisphere; also working in East coast and West coast of the U.S. It enriches me to carefully examine things in different angles and not “boxing people in” with narrowly defined categories. I also provide supervision for all learning stages. I look forward to meeting you!

I work with college students who are navigating life’s challenges—whether it’s anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, identity questions, trauma, cultural adjustment, or substance use concerns. I provide therapy in English and Mandarin and bring a multicultural perspective and psychodynamic approach to create a warm, supportive space for exploration and growth. My goal is to help my clients feel seen, understood, and empowered to reconnect with themselves and others. With years of post-graduate training at the Massachusetts Institute for Psychoanalysis (MIP) and the Psychodynamic Institute of New England (PINE), I blend thoughtful insight with compassionate guidance. I see clients in person at my Watertown Square office and via telehealth. I am in-network with BCBS, will soon accept Harvard Pilgrim, and also welcome self-pay clients.

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

Changes occurring over and again, new and old demands, wondering about performance, confusion about life goals, hopes about opportunities, and the ever complicated relationships, are all topics of our inordinate life stories. How do we find ways to understand our endeavors and translate them to others? How do we know what success looks like for us? Therapy offers the space for self-reflection, for identifying improved adaptive attitudes, and generally, can aid our personal growth. You are welcome to try out the way I facilitate these processes.

I believe in using a strength-based approach in working with adolescents, and adults. I have experience working with individuals and families. I will work collaboratively with you to set goals to help achieve a better lifestyle and improve mental health symptoms. I have experience working with a variety of different presenting problems such as depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, women's issues, life transitions, family stressors, loss and grief. Treatment modalities I use are derived from a relational approach, in conjunction with cognitive behavioral, solution focused, strength based, and psychodynamic. The therapeutic relationship is very important to me therefor; I like to build a satisfactory relationship with you to help develop a safe and trusting environment.

If you've spent years pushing yourself to "just try harder"/"finally get it together," yet you’re still feeling overwhelmed, chronically behind, and like it’s never enough — you’re in the right place. You’re familiar with the exhausting cycle of being a perfectionistic people-pleaser, caught in overthinking and self-criticism. Others see you as accomplished; you feel one misstep away from revealing how scattered things actually are. You’re not looking for a passive listener or generic advice. You want someone who will truly see and accept you, compassionately challenge you, and help you stop chasing approval and start finding peace. I'm a doctorally-trained, board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner offering medication management (in Eng/Mandarin) and psychotherapy (in Eng). I specialize in ADHD, insomnia, women's mental health, and Asian American/first-generation experiences. My approach integrates evidence-based medicine with a holistic focus on aligning mind, body, and purpose. If you're seeking someone who takes the time to see the full picture, treats you as a whole person rather than a checklist of symptoms, and has both the clinical expertise and lived experience to truly understand where you're coming from — I warmly welcome you to reach out and see if we'd be a good fit.

Many people struggle with various aspects of their lives, be it identity, relationships, work/school, or past experiences that affect how they feel and navigate the world. I work with many young adults who may seem high functioning at first glance but struggle with depression, anxiety, stress, or other emotional issues. I have particular experience supporting Asians and Asian Americans and other BIPOC people navigating issues of race, identity and culture. Talk therapy and medications can be a powerful way to help people process, make sense of, and change these patterns that hold them back from living the life they want.

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.

It might feel like your mind never takes a break—whether it’s worries that won’t shut off, intrusive thoughts that disrupt your focus, or a constant pressure to keep up. You might notice tension in your body, frustration in relationships, or exhaustion that makes everyday tasks harder. These challenges often feel magnified in a campus setting, where shifting schedules, academic stress, and big life transitions make it hard to stay grounded. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and therapy can help you find steadier footing. I use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) treatments, including exposure and response prevention (ERP) and the Unified Protocol—structured, evidence-based approaches that help connect what you think, feel, and do. I work with anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention challenges, and low mood, helping students develop tools that make life feel more manageable. Together, we’ll set clear goals, practice strategies between sessions, and build confidence through small, meaningful progress. Campus life comes with unique pressures: performance expectations, perfectionism, disrupted sleep, and uncertainty about the future. These experiences can leave you feeling isolated or stuck, even when it looks like everyone else has it together. In our work together, we’ll focus on regaining steadiness, improving focus, and restoring balance so you can move through college—and life—with greater clarity and confidence. I’d be glad to help you take that first step.

Despite years of self work and therapy, is something still not right? Can you feel it in your body that your nervous system is not functioning in the way that you need? Working together I can help reacquaint yourself with your body and it's signals, learn how to listen to it's cues, care for the nervous system and whole self. We can discover the root of your suffering and find ways through it, so you feel more calm and more engaged. We may also use EMDR to reprocess traumatic experiences. EMDR helps facilitate conditions that allow your body and brain's natural ability to heal to prevail. Do you feel like others in the world are suffering more than you, that you shouldn’t ask for more? I will help you work through these doubts and hesitations to discover how you can truly live a life that is aligned with who you are, guilt-free. It's possible for you to live more in the present and feel empowered in your life. Our work will help you feel more connected to yourself, the people in your life and the world around you. You will better understand your life experiences, stresses and anxieties to learn to live with all parts of who you are in better harmony.

We are a group of clinical psychologists dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to help you navigate life’s challenges. We offer therapy (ACT, DBT, CBT, Mindfulness) and coaching for individuals, groups, and couples/families. Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, or personal growth hurdles, our goal is to create a safe and supportive space for healing and transformation. We periodically also offer workshops and small groups online for topics including: - Mindfulness & Meditation on Fridays 12 - 12:30 pm. ($25/ week) - Alcohol use in an era of sober curiosity on Tuesdays 6 - 8 pm. - Overcome control, challenge perfectionism and find flexibility on Thursday evenings. Our session rates range from $165-$350, depending on clinician and service.

Talking about your life in a structured, mindful, and confidential manner can move you in the direction of creating a rich and meaningful life. I can help you develop the skills and tools that will support you in managing what is difficult for you right now. Some people see me for an open ended period. Others, prefer to work on a specific concern where we may meet for a much shorter length of time.

As a clinician, I seek to develop a strong rapport with my clients to promote a collaborative treatment process. I help my clients learn more about themselves and better identify their emotional and therapeutic needs. I believe the opportunity for my clients to develop a sense of agency, and identify how to take action when faced with difficult situations, is key to self-empowerment and growth. I work with my clients to gather information about themselves and their situations, to learn to reflect on their emotions and behaviors in a nonjudgmental way, and to build their confidence to make positive decisions in their life.