470,633 people sought individual therapy help in Massachusetts in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a individual can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS, Cigna | Evernorth, +3 more
LGBTQIA+, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, +4 more

I believe in working collaboratively with my clients, meeting them where they are and utilizing strengths to explore solutions.

36 more therapist available in Massachusetts

Give us a call to schedule your next appointment, or browse through our full list of available providers.

Stephen Medina

Hear from Stephen Medina, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

View Stephen Medina's profile

What is your go-to approach for individual therapy?

My go-to approach for helping people in individual therapy is meeting the individual where they are. I also try to understand what the client's individual goals are, and I aim to assist them in discerning where they would like to be. I find the best benefit in a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness/relaxation techniques because it helps an individual connect thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

What tools do you teach in individual therapy?

I teach the following tools in individual therapy:

  • Automatic thought identification/cognitive restructuring: The idea is to identify negative thought patterns and challenge them.
  • Behavioral activation: Creating a routine and breaking it down into simple parts to assist with barriers to motivation while also monitoring mood.
  • Coping skills identification.
  • Relaxation techniques: Guided meditation exercises.
  • Action plan in between sessions.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in individual therapy?

I know a client is making meaningful progress in individual therapy when they are able to implement the tools we have been learning in treatment and also self-report that they are noticing their mood or symptoms have decreased.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement individual therapy?

Clients can supplement their time in individual therapy by utilizing the coping skills or another action plan in between sessions and creating a routine to assist when the coping skills are needed.

What should someone do to prepare for starting individual therapy?

To prepare for your first individual therapy session, you can try to think about what is bringing you into treatment, what goals you want to set for yourself, and in what ways you think therapy can help. Always feel free to ask questions, as well, about the process if it is your first time in therapy.

Starting Individual therapy

What is individual therapy?

Individual therapy, also known as individual-counseling, allows people to engage in private sessions with a skilled therapist, counselor, or psychologist. The core objective of individual therapy is to establish a secure and confidential setting where you can openly discuss whatever emotional, psychological, or behavioral challenges you face. Through these one-on-one sessions, the client and therapist work together to delve into, comprehend, and ultimately find solutions for the issues at hand in their life.

How does individual therapy work?

Individual therapy unfolds in a structured process, commencing with an initial assessment in which the therapist gathers essential information about your history, concerns, and objectives. Together, you and your therapist collaboratively establish specific, attainable goals for your sessions, which can encompass symptom alleviation, personal development, or finding solutions to particular challenges.

Can individual therapy help me?

Yes, individual therapy, also known as individual-counseling, at Thriveworks can help you to improve your mental health and overall quality of life.

Is individual therapy conducted in person or online?

Individual therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and via Online therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does individual therapy last?

The duration of your individual therapy sessions will vary. The decision on the number and frequency of sessions is typically collaboratively determined by the client and therapist.

How much does individual therapy cost?

At Thriveworks, we accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Salem therapists and counselors accept 30 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • Fallon Health | Medicare Advantage

  • First Health Network

  • Harvard Pilgrim

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Self-pay costs at Salem
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
The therapist at Thriveworks ( Stephen Medina) is absolutely fantastic. He is very well educated and is able to get me to open up.
Read more The therapist at Thriveworks ( Stephen Medina) is absolutely fantastic. He is very well educated and is able to get me to open up.
Sharron Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Outstanding from first call to assigning me a therapist for my particular needs. I would recommend them to anyone. My therapist is top notch!
Read more Outstanding from first call to assigning me a therapist for my particular needs. I would recommend them to anyone. My therapist is top notch!
Sharron Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My therapist, Stephen Medina is professional, caring, smart and is very good at gaining my trust. He is highly skilled in PTSD. I am starting to feel whole again.
Read more My therapist, Stephen Medina is professional, caring, smart and is very good at gaining my trust. He is highly skilled in PTSD. I am starting to feel whole again.
Sharron Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Celine is very compassionate and professional
Debra Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Salem is located in McIntire Historic District on Washington St. where it intersects with Lynde St. We share a building with MassHire North Shore Career Center - Salem, Koto Grill & Sushi, and other businesses.

Phone number

(978) 637-8213

Languages spoken by MA providers

  • English
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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