Therapists for college students near 02141

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.

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.

Accepting new patients.....It is through therapy that we come to understand how our experiences make our lives meaningful. Choosing a therapist isn't an easy task; I hope sharing my perspective helps. Over the last decade I have worked at universities, elementary schools, rehabilitation centers and group homes with children and adults from 7-70. These experiences have shown me that the right environment activates our innate capacity to mature and thrive. Therapy is not about "fixing" someone, it's about creating a space that supports growth. My approach embraces the power of personality to facilitate change. Through active listening, I acknowledge the impact of personal experiences and encourage exploration. Like exercising - regular, creative dialogue yields new strengths and abilities. In this way, individuals find their own solutions that are often more personalized than CBT. As you search for a therapist, consider me - I think you'll find me accessible, pragmatic, and insightful.

I received my bachelor’s degree with honors from Brown University and my master’s degree from Boston College. I acquired my clinical training at McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School’s largest psychiatric affiliate, on an inpatient unit in the division of Anxiety & Mood Disorders. I also trained at the OCD Institute, the nation’s first and foremost treatment center for obsessive-compulsive disorder. I specialize in treating OCD, anxiety, and self-doubt. I have a particular focus on “Pure O,” which are obsessions without visible compulsions. Often these include obsessional doubts about taboo topics such as sexuality, violence, morality, identity, and health. When my clients first come to see me, they are stuck in a swamp of anxiety and endless fears of “what if.” They are exhausted from trying to escape the discomfort of their thoughts and keep their emotions at bay. For so long, avoiding and withdrawing has seemed like the easiest path to take, but it has also meant missing out on parts of life. They wish things could be different—that they could get out of their heads, stop worrying, and be more fully connected to themselves and others—but facing fears and making changes feels so daunting. I am one of the few clinicians in the country trained by the creator of Inference-based Therapy (IBT or I-CBT), an evidence-based therapy for OCD that addresses self-doubt and learning to trust yourself instead of having to resort to researching, reassurance-seeking, ruminating, or avoiding. You can be free of the exhaustion that comes from all the obsessing and avoiding. In our work together, you will develop new ways of thinking, feeling, and being in relationships so that you are no longer at the mercy of self-doubt and intrusive thoughts. You will learn how to trust yourself and step into your strength so you can show up fully to your own life.

Gaia Zanna is an International, Bilingual Licensed Mental Health Psychotherapist & a Certified Clinical Supervisor, MCCS, in downtown Boston and South Natick. Originally from Bologna, Italy, Gaia has a deep understanding of different cultural backgrounds and the emotional complexity of adjusting to a new country. As a bilingual clinician, she offers sessions in English and Italian. Gaia specializes in anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family issues, infertility, loss, trauma, cultural and international adjustment. She uses a range of therapeutic eclectic approaches depending on the client's needs, including CBT, psychodynamic, cultural psychoanalysis, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, supportive therapy, DBT, IFS and narrative therapy. She is certified in the Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM) technique, a trauma recovery therapy approach that focuses on helping clients release trauma from the body. She works on empowering women in different aspects of life and its challenges regarding relationships, fertility, loss, divorce, self-esteem, gender, identity, trauma, and work environment. Gaia received her Master Degree from the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis and completed her fellowship training in child and family psychology at the Boston Institute of Psychotherapy. She is currently completing her Doctoral dissertation in the Department of Psychoanalysis, Culture and Society Program at the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis. She strives to create a sensitive, warm, empathetic, nonjudgmental, inclusive and respectful space for all of her clients. Sometimes it is difficult and scary to make sense of feelings, learning how to manage them, and being able to find healthy ways to cope while creating and fostering self-awareness. Therapy is a safe space and a confidential grounding process that through time, consistency and working together will allow you to identify and develop a healthy voice to express thoughts and feelings. I strive to help clients understand their emotional conflicts, behavioral repetitions, and their inner-self by empathetically assisting them in working through emotional difficulties and life struggles. Feeling empowered in being proactive about our health and understanding the steps towards change is a powerful and vital process to feel seen and heard.

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.

Do you have a place where you can be truly heard? Therapy can be that safe, accepting place and that's what I strive to create with you: somewhere for you to bring whatever it is that you're struggling with or the stuff that feels too heavy to bear alone. Maybe your challenges are preventing you from enjoying satisfaction and contentment. Perhaps you are in a period of transition and therapy could be a space to think through decisions so you can feel more confident about your choices. Or maybe you're struggling in a relationship to overcome old patterns that have limited you until now. The good news is that you don't have to face any of this alone. I have accompanied people through these and many other issues, and in therapy we'll identify what is holding you back and help you pick up new tools to tackle these challenges. I have experience working with people from diverse backgrounds, and specialize in working with the LGBTQIA+ community. Contact me today to find out whether we're a good fit to work together!

My approach to therapy is grounded in narrative therapy, with the belief that how you understand and relate to your problems shapes your ability to move forward. Whether it’s depression that leaves you feeling stuck, anxiety that chips away at your confidence, or shame that strains your relationships—we'll explore how these experiences impact your life. Many of these struggles are shaped by external pressures around success, identity, and expectations. In therapy, we’ll work together to uncover what feels authentic and meaningful to you. I offer a collaborative and transparent space for healing. While rooted in narrative therapy, I integrate CBT and DBT techniques to support your growth. My experience includes depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, life transitions, and relationship challenges. At the heart of my practice is a deep respect for your voice and values. My goal is for you to feel empowered and at the center of your healing process. If you’re feeling disconnected from yourself or your path, we can work together to help you find your way back.

I share in community and identity BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals, and those navigating trauma, sex/sex work/sexuality, grief, identity, and nontraditional relationships. I understand the layered and often systemic challenges we face, especially in intimate spaces like therapy. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where you can explore your identity, experiences, and relationships with yourself and the world without judgment. Together, we’ll navigate trauma, honor your complexity, and celebrate the richness of who you are. I am dedicated to providing a collaborative, empathetic, and understanding therapeutic environment. My practice is queer-affirming, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive, ensuring a holistic approach to mental health care. With lived experience in sex work and non-monogamy, I offer a unique perspective that deeply resonates with those in these communities. I’m dedicated to providing a collaborative, empathetic, and understanding therapeutic space. My practice is authentic, curious, affirming, holistic and collaborative. I draw from psychodynamic and attachment-based approaches, and I adapt flexibly to meet you where you are.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I have immediate availability in my schedule! I love to help my clients gain insight into their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, build new skills, and use that enhanced self-awareness and skill to make meaningful changes in their lives. I take a strengths-based and collaborative approach that draws from a range of therapeutic modalities and is responsive to your needs and desires. I aim to bring warmth, humor, and authenticity to the therapeutic relationship. I love to work with college students and am a former counselor for the non-profit Bottom Line, where I supported first generation college students through any and all challenges that arose on their journey towards graduation and career readiness. I also enjoy working with people who are anywhere on their journey towards becoming parents or who are searching for greater wellness as parents.

Many of the clients we work with are navigating significant transitions in life—whether it’s stepping into adulthood, healing from past trauma, managing anxiety or OCD, or exploring their identity. They often feel overwhelmed, self-critical, or like they have to “do it all” perfectly. They want space to feel heard, understood, and supported without judgment. In our practice, clients value real connection, honesty, and a therapist who feels present and engaged. They’re not looking for someone with all the answers—they’re looking for someone who will walk alongside them, help them understand themselves better, and offer tools that work in real life. Our clinicians care about people's stories and want to support clients in self-development by showing up authentically, building strong relationships, and exploring various clinical approaches, such as EMDR, IFS, ACT, and more. We look forward to supporting you.

Contending with life's daily pressures can often make it difficult to feel confident in your ability to thrive - and not just barely survive. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, or other concerns, therapy is a safe space where you can engage your existing coping skills and support systems while also discovering and implementing additional strategies and resources. I genuinely believe we have the resilience necessary to make meaningful, lasting changes in our lives. I employ an integrated, systemic approach to therapy and bring humility and cultural sensitivity to every interaction. I have specific experience and interest in working with pregnant and postpartum clients, and I incorporate important concepts such as coping with life transitions, communication, and boundary-setting in my work with every client. I offer supportive, affirming therapy empowering clients to achieve satisfaction in making the changes they seek. I also bring respect and compassion to the therapeutic alliance; my active and empathic listening helps clients feel validated/understood. My goal is to be your ally as we explore your innate strengths and foster your sense of self-affirmation.

Welcome to Meridian Psychotherapy Associates — where we specialize in supporting the mental health needs of college students. We understand that college is a time of excitement and growth, but also one of stress, change, and uncertainty. Our goal is to provide a safe, understanding, and personalized space for students navigating this unique life stage. Our individual therapy addresses common student concerns such as anxiety, depression, academic stress, time management, identity exploration, and relationship challenges. Our trauma-informed therapists are attuned to the emotional, social, and academic pressures of campus life. We also offer couples therapy for college students in relationships, focusing on communication, conflict resolution, and maintaining connection amid busy schedules. For students navigating family dynamics, we help students improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen support systems. To fit student lifestyles, we provide flexible in-person and telehealth options, allowing therapy access nearby campus or home. At Meridian, our therapists are compassionate, skilled, and committed to empowering students with tools for resilience, growth, and lasting well-being—during college and beyond. Ready to take the next step? Contact us for a consultation and start building a stronger foundation for your personal and academic success.

Do you feel overwhelmed when facing life's obstacles? Have you tried to find ways to help yourself, but things have not improved, no matter what you do? Therapy can help you find new ways of dealing with life's challenges that have become too much to handle alone. Every person has a reservoir of strength inside. Through compassionate, supportive therapy, you can connect to your strengths to develop new ways of dealing with problems and complicated feelings, relationships, and transitions. I work with clients to understand the causes of their pain and difficulties. I offer different approaches to developing an effective strategy for internal and external struggles. I combine concrete skills for managing daily stressors with a process of self-understanding to achieve more profound long-term change. I am a licensed clinical social worker with extensive training in trauma-focused therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and internal family systems (IFS). I also use EMDR modality for some specific processing work. I have experience in providing therapy to people from diverse backgrounds - race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and more.

Hello! I am a compassionate, non- judgmental, solution focused therapist. Together we will explore your goals and develop a plan to work towards success! We will identify patterns of behavior that may be obstacles to goal achievement and create new helpful patterns. I will teach you the skills you need to help yourself at a pace that creates the best outcome. We work as a team and I often suggest skills to practice in between sessions. My treatment can focus around concerns with OCD, Anxiety, Grief, Loss, Relationships, Adjustment to sudden changes, Autism, ADHD, Spirituality, Trauma, Relaxation skills, Transitions, Neurodivergent affirming LGBTQQI+ affirming, cultural affirming. Neurodiverse couples , coaching , OCD family education, I have an eclectic approach, and use many treatment strategies specifically chosen for your treatment needs. I have advanced training in treating OCD and related anxiety disorders thru the International OCD Foundation. Treatment approach is CBT, ERP, ACT, executive function skills, I am also trained in EMDR, Flash and TIST (a parts model) Please view my website for more information on OCD-EMDR-TIST

I have loved working with students since 1987. The process of discovering one’s authentic self can be exhilarating and the rewards are exponential. My approach focuses on strengths, augmenting the health that is already present. Learning how to see one’s self (and the world) in this way is a courageous and creative process. By recognizing patterns in relating — to one’s self and others— there’s a clearer sense of what’s precious to you, what gets in the way, and how you can realistically be your best self. While I have experience with the whole range of human problems, I work well with folks who enjoy being playful and creative. I think laughing together in therapy is essential, for many reasons. My formal training is in intensive individual and family therapy specializing in trauma and adolescence. From 1994-2000 I ran the trauma service and psychology training on the adolescent unit at McLean Hospital, teaching and training Harvard residents and post-docs. I am psychoanalytically trained (PhD from University of Michigan, and I’m a graduate of Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute), but I have a deep appreciation for mind-body holistic health, I have also been a professional dancer and artist— which is probably why I favor creativity as the best coping strategy. You should probably know my dog is my co-pilot. Lucky, my goldendoodle, works with me and really loves his job, but if you'd rather we work alone that's ok too.

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!

We blend evidence-based mental health counseling with performance-focused strategies to help you overcome challenges, sharpen your mindset, and thrive—in every area of life. We believe that mental wellness and high performance go hand in hand. Founded on the principle that change begins within, Agile Minds Therapy provides a personalized approach that combines psychology, coaching, and evidence-based therapeutic techniques. Our goal is to help you develop the mental agility needed to navigate life’s challenges and unlock your full potential.