1. Cambridge Psychology Group
Credentials: Team of Harvard-trained psychologists with expertise in anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, ADHD, autism, personality disorders, and mood disorders.
Specialization: Anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, ADHD, autism, personality disorders, mood disorders, and other mental health conditions.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based approaches backed by decades of research demonstrating effectiveness.
Populations Served: Adults and youth in the greater Boston area, Massachusetts, and beyond.
Background: Multi-specialty center formed by Harvard-trained psychologists dedicated to providing evidence-based therapy, consultations, and training. Highly successful Intensive CBT Program for Anxiety and OCD available for adults and older adolescents who would benefit from higher level of care. Group therapy offered for anxiety, OCD, depression, emotion regulation, and more. Many therapists are active contributors to the research base supporting CBT’s effectiveness.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance and fee information.
Session Format: In-person and telehealth sessions available.
Location: Cambridge/Boston, MA
Contact: https://cambridgepsych.org
Initial Consultation: Complimentary phone consultation available upon initial contact to determine services sought.
2. Boston Anxiety and OCD
Credentials: Dr. Natasha Bailen, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, founder. Faculty at Harvard Medical School. Treats patients at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Center for OCD and Related Disorders (CORD).
Specialization: OCD, anxiety disorders, and related conditions.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure therapy. Evidence-based techniques to help manage difficult emotions, change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaving, and cultivate healthier ways to navigate challenging situations.
Populations Served: Adults with OCD, anxiety, and related disorders.
Background: Dr. Bailen founded Boston Anxiety and OCD as a private practice while maintaining positions at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Focus on using treatments backed by research studies, emphasizing treatments that really work.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: In-person and telehealth sessions available.
Location: Boston, MA
Contact: https://bostonanxietyandocd.com
Initial Consultation: Contact for free consultation to discuss treatment needs.
3. Therapy Lab Boston
Credentials: Therapists hold advanced graduate degrees (PhD, PsyD, MSW, MFT) committed to evidence-based approach. Founder Dr. Chandler Chang, PhD, Licensed Psychologist.
Specialization: Anxiety, OCD, depression, ADHD assessment, autism assessment, social anxiety, insomnia, couples therapy, grief counseling.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), evidence-based treatments for anxiety and depression.
Populations Served: Adults seeking evidence-based treatment for anxiety, depression, OCD, and related conditions.
Background: Multi-location CBT psychology practice with Boston office at 711 Atlantic Avenue. No waitlist policy. Focus on helping clients manage emotions, create new habits, and track improvement. Diagnostic assessments available for ADHD and autism that are affirming and comfortable.
Insurance Accepted: Accepting Aetna insurance plans in Boston. Other insurance may be out-of-network with possible reimbursement.
Session Format: Virtual appointments available. No waitlist.
Location: 711 Atlantic Avenue, 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02111
Contact: (617) 475-7475 | https://www.therapylab.com/locations/boston-therapists
Initial Consultation: Book a welcome call with therapist or care coordinator through website.
4. Soultality Center for Psychotherapy
Credentials: Team led by Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience. Therapists specialize in evidence-based treatments.
Specialization: OCD, social anxiety, panic disorder, health anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, emetophobia, imposter syndrome, career stressors, perfectionism, PTSD, trauma, perinatal mental health, body-focused repetitive behaviors, ARFID.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, integrative and relational practices.
Populations Served: Adults and families seeking whole-person centered therapy for OCD, anxiety, and related disorders.
Background: Whole-person centered therapy practice rooted in compassionate delivery of evidence-based treatments. Personalized and adaptive approach recognizing individuality. Offers individual therapy, group therapy, exposure coaching, and intensive outpatient treatment. Walk and talk sessions available as alternative to traditional office setting.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: In-person sessions at Cambridge office. Telehealth available.
Location: Cambridge, MA (serving Boston area)
Contact: https://www.soultality.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice to schedule consultation.
5. Center for Anxiety Boston
Credentials: Team of psychologists and therapists including Dr. Alek Davila.
Specialization: Anxiety disorders, stress management, and related conditions.
Therapy Approaches: Evidence-based treatments for anxiety including CBT and exposure-based interventions.
Populations Served: Adults seeking specialized anxiety treatment in the Boston area.
Background: Located in Back Bay at 575 Boylston Street, within a block of the Boston Marathon finish line. Half-floor suite features spacious therapy suites with elevated ceilings, conference room, self-serve pantry with snacks and beverages, gender-neutral restrooms, and direct private elevator access. Convenient location across from Copley Square, near Newbury Street, with easy access to MBTA Green and Orange lines plus Commuter Line and Amtrak at Back Bay station.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: In-person sessions at Back Bay office.
Location: 575 Boylston Street, Boston, MA (Back Bay)
Contact: https://www.centerforanxiety.org/boston/
Initial Consultation: Contact practice for appointment information.
Mental Health Industry in Massachusetts
Average Therapy Session Costs
Individual therapy sessions in Boston range from $175 to $300 per session depending on provider credentials and experience. Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) typically charge $150 to $200 per session. Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LICSW) charge similar rates. Licensed Psychologists with doctoral degrees generally charge $200 to $350 per session. Psychiatrists may charge $300 to $500 for sessions including medication management. Boston therapy costs are among the highest nationally, reflecting the concentration of academic medical centers and high cost of living.
State Licensing Requirements for Psychologists
To practice as a licensed psychologist in Massachusetts, professionals must complete a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) from an APA-accredited or Board-approved institution. Candidates must accumulate supervised professional experience including predoctoral internship and postdoctoral supervised experience. The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) with minimum passing score is required. The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Psychologists administers licensure. Continuing education requirements apply for license renewal.
Telehealth Regulations
Massachusetts permits licensed psychologists to provide telehealth services to clients located within the state. Massachusetts is a member of PSYPACT (Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact), allowing psychologists with E.Passport credentials to practice telepsychology across member states. Providers must use HIPAA-compliant platforms.
Mental Health Parity Laws
Massachusetts has comprehensive mental health parity laws requiring health insurers to provide coverage for mental health conditions equivalent to physical health conditions. The state’s parity laws were among the earliest in the nation. Federal MHPAEA also applies to group health plans.
Professional Organizations
The Massachusetts Psychological Association (MPA) represents psychologists statewide, offering continuing education, advocacy, and professional resources. The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies has strong Massachusetts membership given proximity to academic institutions.
Workforce Availability and Wait Times
Boston has one of the highest concentrations of mental health providers in the nation, with numerous training programs at Harvard, Boston University, Massachusetts General Hospital, McLean Hospital, and other institutions. Despite high provider density, wait times for new patients typically range from two to six weeks due to strong demand. Specialized OCD and anxiety treatment may have longer wait times.
Common Mental Health Concerns
In Boston, commonly treated conditions include anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, trauma/PTSD, academic stress (given numerous universities), and concerns related to high-pressure professional environments. The large student population creates demand for services addressing adjustment, identity, and academic concerns.
State-Funded Mental Health Resources
Massachusetts Department of Mental Health oversees community mental health programs. Emergency Services Programs (ESPs) provide 24/7 crisis services throughout the state. Boston Emergency Services Team (BEST) serves the Boston area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Cambridge Psychology Group’s Intensive CBT Program different from regular therapy?
The Intensive CBT Program offers a higher level of care than traditional weekly therapy, designed for adults and older adolescents who need more support. Intensive programs typically involve multiple sessions per week or longer session durations, allowing for more rapid progress on anxiety and OCD symptoms through concentrated exposure work.
How do I find a therapist affiliated with Harvard or Massachusetts General Hospital?
Several Boston practices have Harvard affiliations. Dr. Natasha Bailen at Boston Anxiety and OCD is faculty at Harvard Medical School and treats patients at MGH’s Center for OCD and Related Disorders (CORD). Cambridge Psychology Group was formed by Harvard-trained psychologists. Psychology Today and hospital websites list affiliated providers.
What insurance plans are commonly accepted by Boston therapists?
Common insurance plans accepted in Boston include Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Harvard Pilgrim, Tufts Health Plan, and UnitedHealthcare. Therapy Lab Boston accepts Aetna. Many specialized practices are out-of-network, so asking about sliding scale fees or out-of-network reimbursement is recommended.
Are there specialized OCD treatment centers in Boston?
Yes, Boston has several specialized OCD treatment options. Boston Anxiety and OCD focuses exclusively on OCD and anxiety. Dr. Bailen also works at MGH’s Center for OCD and Related Disorders (CORD). Cambridge Psychology Group offers an Intensive CBT Program for OCD. Soultality Center provides specialized OCD treatment with ERP.
What is the difference between LMHC and LICSW credentials in Massachusetts?
LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) requires a master’s degree in counseling or related field plus supervised clinical experience. LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker) requires a master’s in social work plus supervised clinical experience. Both can provide psychotherapy independently. Licensed Psychologists hold doctoral degrees and can also conduct psychological testing.