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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Francis Prunier

Offering therapy in MA
License: MSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
46 years of experience

Thank you for considering BetterHelp and thank you for considering me as your counselor. I am a therapist with many years of experience and I am a Massachusetts Licensed Clinical Social Worker.. I use a strength based approach, encouraging people to build on past positive attributes and past strengths and coping skills. I have a history of working with people having a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. I have worked with people experiencing loss and despair. I have also helped people struggling with alcohol and drugs. I am supportive and aware of putting my clients first. I view life optimistically. You have potential for change by entering into counseling and taking some corrective actions. Changes regarding expectations and approach can make a difference. My role is to understand you, listen to you and to provide helpful suggestions. You will find that my style is to use empathy and warmth. My belief is that you have the ability to find solutions. I am trained in psychodynamic insight oriented therapy. I have experience in CBT and mindfulness meditation. Establishing a positive, supportive relationship is key to my counseling method. My goal is for you to improve coping and to make changes now and for the future. A better life is a realistic goal. I look forward to working with you. Make a choice to improve your life, you are worth it. I look forward to working with you!

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Susan Walker

Offering therapy in MA
License: MA,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

Hello! I am so glad you are here and look forward to getting to know you and your goals for therapy. I am a licensed mental health counselor with over 15 years of clinical experience. My interpersonal style is warm, empathetic, and professional. I am highly interested and engaged with the process of understanding and helping. Below is a bit about my background: Therapy Approach: My clinical and interpersonal style is warm, casual, empathetic, and always professional. My overarching approach tends to transcend theory and embrace the foundational skills of active listening, gentle redirecting, validation, and staying connected while confronting issues that need attention. I tend to think holistically and spiritually. Theoretical applications I use include Person-Centered, some aspects of Cognitive Behavioral, and Psychodynamic, as each client is multi- layered and more than one theory or technique may be useful. Primarily my theoretical lens is Existential, grounded in the idea that we as human beings are faced with making meaning of our environment, understanding ourselves, and the realization that we can direct our lives. There is challenge in this but also great freedom. Technical Options: I am potentially a good match for those who are interested in Live Chat Typing Sessions or Phone Sessions. When I discovered that Video sessions were causing some eye strain and switched to Live Chat Typing Sessions and Phone Sessions I was pleasantly surprised that the richness and texture of therapy was not reduced. In some ways there is even more connection and clarity. Areas of Clinical Specialty include but aren't limited to the following: Grief/Bereavement Pregnancy Loss/Infant Loss Anxiety Social Anxiety Depression Spiritual Issues Life Transitions Career and Professional Concerns Trauma History Chronic Illness Sexuality issues Parenting Issues It is often in high pitched pain or struggle that one finds her/his/theirself seeking therapy. I am sensitive to this process and strive always to create a comfortable, relaxed therapeutic space. My experience includes providing therapy to those with trauma histories at a residential facility, counseling college students with issues of identity, sexuality, and life transitions at a university counseling center, and several years providing therapy to those with anxiety/depression, grief/bereavement, and other issues of clinical concern at an outpatient mental health clinic. I consider it a privilege to help clients from all backgrounds from their place of difficulty to a healthy realization of their goals. Professional Training: U-Mass at Amherst B.A in Sociology with minor in Psychology Lesley University M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Clinical License LMHC

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Hope Schaffrick

Offering therapy in MA
License: LICSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

Educated, understanding, and experienced. I am an empathic and versatile clinician. I went into counseling to share my knowledge so others too can rise to their potential. I offer client centered therapy to meet you where YOU are. You can expect a person who listens. You can expect a professionaI. I studied Clinical Psychology at Tufts University in Boston and received my Master's degree in Social Work at the University of Connecticut. My experience includes 19 years in hospital and outpatient social work with ages 18 and above, in a variety of areas such as depression, anxiety and panic, grief, trauma, coping with medical issues, geriatrics, caretaking, career and lifespan issues, divorce, and single parenting. I am licensed in Washington State, Utah, Maine, and Massachusetts. I enjoy the seasons, gardening, cooking, and rescuing dogs.

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Pam Bolarinho

Offering therapy in MA
License: LICSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
20 years of experience

Pam Bolarinho, LICSW, currently a full time VP of Acute Care Services. I have worked in the field of social work for twenty plus years in various clinical support and leadership roles. I started her career as a social worker with the Healthy Families Program and then as a social worker for the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families until obtaining her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Bridgewater State University where I was also the Class Representative for her MSW cohort. In addition to my role as the ESP Director for the past three years, my prior experience includes working as the Clinical Director for inpatient psychiatric facility as well as the Social Work Manager at an acute medical hospital for over seven years. I am a proud Portuguese American who immigrated to the United States at age five. SI have have dedicated my life to helping those in need, especially the most vulnerable populations. I have been working closely with many community providers including the Suicide Prevention Coalition, Help & Hope Southcoast, Labor & Human Trafficking, and Opioid Taskforce to name a few. I was instrumental in starting a co-response program with the local Police Department nearly three years ago resulting in over 400 patient’s being seen in the community as part of the co-response model; I am proud of the great work that program is doing in keeping over sixty-five percent of those individuals home who may have otherwise ended up in a local emergency room. I have worked closely with individual providers, community agencies, local police departments and with the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership and Beacon Health Options in identifying ways to continue to divert patients from seeking the emergency room as their first line for their behavioral health needs. I have always been a patient centered/strength based clinician and find that when you take that approach people tend to respond to treatment in a positive way with positive outcomes. Throughout my career I have worked with trauma victims, end of life, foster care/adoption, individual suffers from reactive attachment disorder, elders, adults suffering from addiction as well as ongoing mental health and chronic mental health.

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Lawrence Berger

Offering therapy in MA
License: LPC,LMHC ,LCMHC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionADHD
13 years of experience

I am a dually licensed mental health counselor and alcohol and drug counselor in the state of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, CT and Virginia. I have been working with people of all backgrounds facing the challenges of all types of mental health concerns for 12 years. I take a person centered approach and work collaboratively to help you meet your goals. I am a guide who will bring out the ability to change in you. We go at your pace and comfort level. I work with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, addiction, Obsessive Compulsive disorder, gambling disorders and many many more. I have a compassionate nature towards whatever you are going through and strongly believe therapy can work for everyone. I look forward to meeting and working towards a better life for you.

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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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Keith Stauch

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Massachusetts with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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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Kimberly Rose

Offering therapy in MA
License: MSW,LICSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
25 years of experience

Kimberly is a licensed independent clinical social worker with over two decades of experience in family and youth engagement, child welfare policy, practice and program development.  She’s worked extensively with adolescents, young adults along with families, couples and caregivers, helping clients resolve relationship conflicts, improve communication skills, and cultivate empathetic connections. Most recently, she has worked with individuals, providing counseling services with a focus on grief and loss recovery, including a focus on pet loss. She is adept at assisting individuals navigate grief and loss while they develop the coping skills necessary to adapt to life’s uncertainties. Specialties include: adolescent/transitional age issues, self-esteem & social skill building, grief & loss recovery and anxiety management.

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Karen Blinder

Offering therapy in MA
Relationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Massachusetts with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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 work with teenagers too. Mostly ages 15-19 as well as over 19.

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Ryan Zelov

Offering therapy in MA
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionADHD
6 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with over 10 years of professional work experience in the mental health field. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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.

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 02114 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 PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, 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

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