If you're interested in connecting with a therapist, Boston, MA has different options available. 

A therapist can help you with a variety of mental health challenges, whether you’re dealing with an underlying condition like anxiety or depression or struggling with personal growth and positive change. Whether you need a trauma informed counselor or aren’t sure about which therapeutic approach is right for you, finding a therapist can be challenging. With BetterHelp, most people are matched with a therapist within 48 hours of signing up. Because so many therapists are available on the platform, you can switch at no extra charge until you find the right fit. Most BetterHelp therapists have a master’s or doctoral degree, use evidence based treatments, and work to create a collaborative environment in a judgment free space. 

If you’re worried about therapy cost, BetterHelp is generally more affordable than many in-person therapy options. If you’re ready to start a life changing journey, boost self confidence, and improve your everyday life, speak to a Boston-based therapist today.

 

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Sondra McMillan-King

Offering therapy in MA
License: MA,LSW,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
13 years of experience

You are capable of achieving!, My name is Sondra McMillan-King, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 13 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, family problems, behavioral challenges, abandonment/rejection, grief, past trauma, and suicidal/homicidal ideations. I am currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Mental Health Counseling and Administration. I have has obtained graduate degrees in Business Administration, Clinical and Forensic Psychology. I utilize a client-centered approach (meaning that YOU are the expert on you) that will allow you to identify your own strengths and resources, as well as cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches. My counseling style is warm and genuine. When working with my clients, it is my hope to create a safe, authentic, and inviting experience. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution- focused therapy. I will work with you to identify your treatment goals, develop a treatment plan, and come alongside you to provide support as you work towards accomplishing your goals. You are the expert in you and I use my skillset, experience and knowledge base that I have acquired over the past 13 years to work with you. I am available to meet with clients on Monday-Friday, between the hours of 5:30 pm-7:45 pm. Taking the step to make changes in your life, to heal from past hurts and move towards a better future takes courage. You can do this! Just remember that it is a process and to be patient with yourself as you go through this process. The hardest step to take is making the decision to change. Change is possible and if you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you! SPECIALTIES Stress, Anxiety Relationship issues Self esteem Depression Coping with life changes Also experienced in: Addictions , Trauma and abuse , Grief , Parenting issues , Anger management , Career difficulties , Bipolar disorder , Compassion fatigue , Communication Problems , Drug and Alcohol Addiction , Family Problems , Forgiveness , Guilt and Shame , Infidelity , Social Anxiety and Phobia, Mood Disorders , Multicultural Concerns , Posttraumatic Stress , Pregnancy and Childbirth , Self-Love , Sexual Assault and Abuse , Women's Issues , Workplace Issues , Young Adult Issues, Bipolar & Depressive & Other Mood Disturbances. Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Years of Experience: 13.

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Steven Nikolsky

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression
21 years of experience

Hi, and thank you for reviewing my profile. my name is Steven Nikolsky, and I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the state of Massachusetts and an Independent Licensed Social Worker in Florida. I have my graduate degree from Boston University in Massachusetts. My primary location is in Massachusetts. I believe that to have a successful outcome in therapy that the client and therapist must first build a strong rapport and trust bond in their relationship. I utilize a range of types of therapy depending on the individual and the presenting problem and have had some training in hypnotherapy for stress and anxiety. I have worked in private practice therapy, and hospital emergency room crisis work with a specialization in mental health and addictions. I work with the courts regarding 90-day involuntary commitments for substance and alcohol abuse as well as 72-hour holds for severe mental health commitments. I work with "young adults" through "older adults". I also work with various insurance companies in providing “Employee Assistance Programs” for work related issues. I have a firm belief that not every client and therapist will be a match and encourage changing therapists if there is any discomfort or issues. I look forward to working with you and wish you happiness and success in your journey.

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Daniel Quinn

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
34 years of experience

I am a therapist with many years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients cope with addictions, trauma, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Using solution-focused methods, I work with my clients so they achieve their desired goals.

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Dr. Claudia Orfao-Martin

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesDepressionADHD
44 years of experience

I am licensed in Massachusetts with 43 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Peter Steele

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
12 years of experience

My name is Peter Steele and I am a licensed therapist in Massachusetts. My clinical experience includes working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder and complex trauma, relational challenges (including infidelity), and grief and loss. My approach to therapy is that you are the expert of your own life and experience. I believe that an interpersonal, collaborative approach, with solution-focused goals is very often an effective way to for me to provide you with therapeutic support. Through this approach, I look forward to working together with you so that you may feel fulfilled in your life through maintainable change, effective boundaries, meaningful relationships, and your own advocacy of yourself, according to your values and goals.

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Sarah Wiggin

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida and Massachusetts with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Jocelyn Garlington

Offering therapy in MA
AddictionsFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteem
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Massachusetts with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, family conflicts, parenting issues, self esteem , and anger management to name a few. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I also have experience working with those who are incarcerated along with their loved ones. If you have someone that you care about that is incarcerated, I would like to speak with you. I know that this is a difficult situation for those incarcerated as well as their loved ones in the community.

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Lizhen Yan

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I am dedicated to the supporting the well-being of my clients from a Christian perspective, though I welcome all who seek counseling, regardless of religious background. Whether you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or parenting/marital troubles, I provide a safe place for you to come individually, as a family, or as a couple. While traditional therapy focuses more on the individual, MFT examines how an individual’s behavior affects both the individual and their relationship as part of a couple or family. The theory behind MFT is that regardless of whether a problem appears to be within an individual or within a family, getting other family members involved in the therapeutic process will result in more effective solutions. MFT is goal-oriented and works toward an established end result. In recent years, MFT practitioners and groups have called for expanded approaches to traditional MFT training that incorporate more “real world” practices to integrate other therapies and become more inclusive of non-heterosexual couples and families. I would address the behaviors of all family members and the way these behaviors affect not only individual family members, but also relationships between family members and the family unit as a whole. As such, treatment is usually divided between time spent on individual therapy and time spent on couple therapy, family therapy, or both, if necessary.

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Melinda Cook

Offering therapy in MA
Family conflictsGriefParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Massachusetts with over 10 years of experience providing comprehensive mental health services to diverse populations in a variety of settings including university counseling, outpatient mental health centers, and the Department of Mental Health. My clients have presented with a wide range of concerns including mood disorders, grief and loss, trauma history, family conflict, generational trauma, academic and professional stress, and coping with life changes. My therapeutic approach draws from Object Relations Theory, Psychodynamic Theory, and Biopsychosocial Models. I hold a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Bachelor of Science from Boston College. I believe in viewing individuals holistically, recognizing that their overall well-being is shaped by their unique past and present experiences, influenced by their family, culture, and community, which in turn shapes their future outlook. In my therapeutic practice, I prioritize empathy, support, and compassion. You are the expert of your own narrative and possess many inherent strengths that assist you in overcoming challenges and achieving your full potential. It takes courage to embrace change and seek a more fulfilling and enriching life. I am here to provide support and empowerment throughout that journey.

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John Livick-Moses

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

I am a fully licensed (LICSW) in Massachusetts with 4 (plus two years of internships) years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I also have a second masters in Theological Studies, and this has helped me be able to address spiritual needs on top of your psychological ones! I believe that you are the expert on your story and have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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How to find counseling in Boston

Finding the best therapist close by in Boston can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Boston. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Boston, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Boston or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Boston area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Boston, elsewhere in Suffolk, or in the greater state of Massachusetts.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Boston area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Boston therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Boston due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Boston may not take health insurance, some in the state of Massachusetts may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Massachusetts you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Boston, Massachusetts working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Boston above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Boston helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Boston therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Boston therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Boston therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in MA, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 02204 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Boston counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Boston licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Boston, Massachusetts can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Boston has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Boston.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Boston:

02108, 02109, 02110, 02111, 02112, 02113, 02114, 02115, 02116, 02117, 02118, 02119, 02120, 02121, 02122, 02123, 02124, 02125, 02126, 02127, 02128, 02129, 02130, 02131, 02132, 02133, 02134, 02135, 02136, 02137, 02152, 02163, 02196, 02199, 02201, 02203, 02204, 02205, 02206, 02210, 02211, 02212, 02215, 02217, 02222, 02241, 02266, 02283, 02284, 02293, 02297, 02298, 02467

Popular cities near Boston, MA

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