Boston has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into trying it online, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change 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 treatment.
Therapists in Boston, MA
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.
Shawn Mcgivern
Clinician
License Type(s): Licensed Mental Health Counselor ,LMHC, M.A.C.P.
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
27 years offering treatment
Greetings! My name is Shawn McGivern. I am a licensed therapist in Massachusetts with 20+ years helping individuals and couples work through grief, loss, trauma, anxiety, depression,,co-dependence, parenting, couples and family conflict, and suffering related to gender, race, ethnicity, ageing, sexual identity--And - from young adulthood through retirement -adjustment to life transitions. I particularly enjoy working with couples who ,with new commuinication skills may discover and experience the love they truly want. My style is typically open, warm, empathic, compassionate, curious, humorous, and down-to-earth. With attention to your particular age, culture, values, beliefs, personality style and goals , I offer interventions from various modalities including Humanistic, Existential, Psychoanalytic, Focusing Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavior, Jungian, and Drama Therapy, all of which I am happy to discuss with you. Background Information In addition to private practice, I have served as a counselor and clinical supervisor at The Massachusetts College of Art and ,for 14 years , taught Psychology and Writing at Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. ' I completed post-graduate training in Existential Therapy, hold a Masters in Counseling Psychology from Lesley University, a B.A. in English Literature from Boston College, attended Boston Conservatory of Music for training in classical voice and studied Shambala Writing Meditation at Naropa Institute. I am a former freelance arts writer for publications including The Boston Globe with a first career in promoting artists, writers, and performers for non-profits including The Institute of Contemporary Art and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. I welcome clients of all ages, cultures, religious and spiritual practices, and gender identification and sexual orientation. ====================================================== FYI --- Cancellation Policy/Fee for Cancellation Same day cancellations and/or a No Show will result in your account being charged a $15 cancellation fee. Please adhere to your original agrement to cancel a minmum of 24 hours in advance. Thanks!
Melissa Gilgun
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionADHD
24 years offering treatment
Hi! My name is Melissa, and I am a licensed clinician in Arizona and Massachusetts with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, attention issues, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, coping with grief and loss, and depression. In addition, I am very knowledgeable about goal-setting and helping my clients be able to manage their symptoms through the use of coping strategies and cognitive-behavioral therapy. I believe strongly that counseling provides the empowerment, acknowledgement, and validation that is necessary to help process feelings and work through concerns. I would love to be the therapist to help you today. Please contact me if you feel my experience would be a good fit for you, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Jennifer Wikette
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
26 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Ohio with 26 years of professional work experience in the social services realm. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I have worked with adults and children throughout my career and believe in establishing holistic well-being. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Dr. Andrew Walker
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
5 years offering treatment
I am a licensed psychologist with 5 years of experience working in psychotherapy and psychological assessment, providing services to people who are navigating challenges related to ADHD, anxiety, depression, major life transitions, and other concerns. My therapeutic approach is tailored to your specific needs. However, broadly speaking it can include helping you learn practical CBT-based skills to address your daily challenges and provide a safe and supportive environment for your deeper exploration based on Jungian depth psychology and other approaches. My specialized training in neuropsychology allows me to bring a strong science-based approach to our time together.
Caitlin Menard
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesDepression
16 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Massachusetts with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Tamika Montague
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
15 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 15 years of professional work experience. I hold a Trauma Certificate from Drexel University Behavioral Healthcare Education and am a Certified Trauma Competent Professional through Lakeside Global Institute. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools & Bounceback (CBITS). In 2019, I achieved the certification through IATP of a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, & 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!
Troy Johnson
Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: LGBTRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCoaching
8 years offering treatment
Welcome! Are you ready for a truly transformative therapy experience? I’m Troy—a therapist who “gets it.” In a world often shaped by heteronormative expectations and conservative viewpoints, I offer a refreshingly affirming and queer-centric approach to therapy. Rooted in inclusivity and guided by a socially conscious, non-religious framework, I specialize in helping clients find authenticity and empowerment. Whether you're navigating personal challenges, exploring your identity, or working through systemic barriers, my practice is a space where you can feel safe, valued, and understood. What I Offer: I work with individuals seeking clarity, growth, and empowerment. My areas of focus include: Exploring and affirming queer identities Addressing anxiety, depression, and life transitions Supporting polyamorous relationships and alternative lifestyles Gender Dysphoria Assessments and Letters of Support for gender-affirming surgery (available through my private practice) My Approach on BetterHelp: I use BetterHelp as a way to meet new clients and introduce myself in a safe, no-commitment environment. It’s an opportunity for us to see if we’re a good match for longer-term work together. My focus here is short-term, goal-oriented care, typically lasting anywhere from 2 to 6 sessions. I don’t provide long-term care on BetterHelp because my availability on this platform is limited; I only accept new BetterHelp clients once or twice a year. If we both agree that continued work together would be beneficial, I’ll help transition you to my private practice, where we can develop a personalized, in-depth approach tailored to your needs. Transition to Private Practice: For long-term therapy, I offer comprehensive services in my private practice, including: Flexible cash rates comparable to subscription costs Insurance options, including United/Optum, BCBS, and Aetna A limited number of discounted session rates for those who qualify Access to my full therapy schedule for greater flexibility To learn more about my private practice, visit www.queertalktherapy.com. About Me: Beyond my professional expertise, I bring warmth, understanding, and a deep commitment to creating a space where you can feel truly seen and heard. My clients describe me as approachable, insightful, and someone who genuinely "gets it." Whether you're working through a challenging time or simply looking to better understand yourself, I’m here to guide you with empathy and evidence-based strategies. Let’s work together to make meaningful, lasting change. I look forward to connecting with you!
Justine Sher
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
20 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Georgia with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in crisis management, medical social work and generally helping others to feel more empowered to make some changes. I have extensive experience working with lgbtq+ community as well as working with those coping with grief and loss. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I like to work with a causal informal attitude allowing the client to lead the session in the direction they want to go. There is no right or wrong way to engage in therapy. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage and I'm proud of you for taking the step and look forward to being by your side as you navigate through the process. AT THIS TIME I AM ONLY ACEPTING NEW MEMBERS FOR LIVE CHAT SESSIONS WITH SOME PHONE SUPPORT. ROUTINE PHONE AND VIDEO SESSIONS WILL RESUME AT THE END OF MAY
Douglas (Doug) Myers
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
15 years offering treatment
Hey there! I'm licensed in both Oregon and Texas, with over 15 years of experience under my belt. I've been through the trenches, guiding individuals through stress, anxiety, relationship hurdles, grief, loss, and the wild ride of parenting. Speaking of parenting, I've spent 12 years specializing in helping parents connect with and understand their little ones—especially those with developmental concerns. From newborns to toddlers, navigating this stage is an adventure, and I'm here to offer guidance. When it comes to our conversations, it's all about meeting you exactly where you are. I'm a big believer in respect, sensitivity, and loads of compassion because everyone's journey is unique. Our chats and game plan? Tailored specifically for you. Taking that first step toward a happier life is no small feat—it's brave. And guess what? You're not alone in this. I'm here to cheer you on, to lend support, and help you discover the peace and insights you might be looking for in your life journey.
Angelica Furtado
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
10 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Connecticut and Massachusetts with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, & abuse. I also have experience working with 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!
How to find a licensed therapist serving clients in Boston, Massachusetts
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 get connected with a clinician 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 with therapists 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. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp
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 for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Boston region and in the state of Massachusetts. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
A mental health professional 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, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 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 offering therapy for:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use
- Couples
When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support 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. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about licensed therapists and mental health services
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 an in-person therapist compare to BetterHelp?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Boston due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. 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:
- With a psychiatrist: $150-$500
- With therapists: $100-300
- With a clinician: $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 a BetterHelp therapist 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).
Read more about this cost related question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How are therapists on a Boston online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in 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. Therapists 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, therapists here 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.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Boston psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
Read more about this license question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How does BetterHelp online therapy work?
BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, 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 for in person sessions.
Through BetterHelp, 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 helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage, and more. Get matched today.
Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
What mental health issues can a therapist address?
BetterHelp's verified 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.
Boston therapists' specialties available through the BetterHelp platform
- Cognitive behavioral
- Behavior
- EMDR
- Talk therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders counselor
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Attachment
- Relationships
- Children, adolescents, and teens
- Addiction (substance abuse)
- Divorce
- Trauma or PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychodynamic treatment with a counselor
- Career
- Alcohol use disorders
- OCD counselor
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transition
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 provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain.us, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
Read more about this psychotherapist question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is BetterHelp right for me?
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.
Therapists 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 in Boston 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 therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in MA, therapists 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 02119 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists around or in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
Read more about this family question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Boston therapist?
Before seeing your therapist near you, prep for your session by reading to understand the 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, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. therapists near you may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn how to best help and support you.
Read more about this first session question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Should I find a Boston therapist or psychologist for therapy 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 it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. 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 with a counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.
Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is therapy worth it?
Therapy with a licensed counselor 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. An experienced clinician 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 therapist 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 licensed clinician 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.
Counseling with an online Boston provider
Do therapists judge you in therapy?
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 BetterHelp, the leading therapist platform serving the population of Massachusetts
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 BetterHelp or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service 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.
- Thehotline.org - National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Suicidepreventionlifeline.org - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisistextline.org - Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veteranscrisisline.net - Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Thetrevorproject.org - Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- Samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline - SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- Nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline - National Eating Disorder Association Helpline :1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Childhelphotline.org/resources-for-teens/ - Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- Fraternallaw.com/help-us-stop-hazing - National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physiciansupportline.com - Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Rainn.org - Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
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