Psychodynamic Psychiatrists in Massachusetts

Photo of Dr. Barbara Burton, Psychiatrist in Massachusetts
Dr. Barbara Burton
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Brookline, MA 02446
I offer both medication management and therapy, with a specialization in psychodynamic therapy.
When mental health symptoms interfere with everyday life, finding the right clinician can be daunting. I am excited to get to know you and hopefully make your journey a little easier. You deserve an approach that is personalized to your unique story, with a psychiatrist who is attentive and flexible. Together, we will collaborate to design a treatment plan that best fits your individual wellness goals. I have a clinical focus on working with patients from high-stress professions, addressing issues such as burnout, moral injury, relationships, self-esteem, and identity.
I offer both medication management and therapy, with a specialization in psychodynamic therapy.
When mental health symptoms interfere with everyday life, finding the right clinician can be daunting. I am excited to get to know you and hopefully make your journey a little easier. You deserve an approach that is personalized to your unique story, with a psychiatrist who is attentive and flexible. Together, we will collaborate to design a treatment plan that best fits your individual wellness goals. I have a clinical focus on working with patients from high-stress professions, addressing issues such as burnout, moral injury, relationships, self-esteem, and identity.
(857) 382-2901 View (857) 382-2901
Photo of Andrew Clark, Psychiatrist in Massachusetts
Andrew Clark
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02138
I tend to be warm, down to earth, and highly collaborative, and employ a primarily psychodynamic approach to therapy.
I'm a psychiatrist in private practice in Cambridge, Massachusetts, providing diagnostic assessments, psychotherapy, and medication management for children, teens and adults. I trained at the Massachusetts General Hospital in psychiatry and child psychiatry, and was on faculty there for 20 years, before moving to the Boston Medical Center and the Boston University School of Medicine. I've had a part time private practice in Cambridge through most of my career.
I tend to be warm, down to earth, and highly collaborative, and employ a primarily psychodynamic approach to therapy.
I'm a psychiatrist in private practice in Cambridge, Massachusetts, providing diagnostic assessments, psychotherapy, and medication management for children, teens and adults. I trained at the Massachusetts General Hospital in psychiatry and child psychiatry, and was on faculty there for 20 years, before moving to the Boston Medical Center and the Boston University School of Medicine. I've had a part time private practice in Cambridge through most of my career.
(508) 257-7513 View (508) 257-7513
Photo of Jacqueline Buchanan, Psychiatrist in Massachusetts
Jacqueline Buchanan
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02138
Sometimes we have a sense of the ways in which we hope to grow with psychotherapy, and sometimes we learn things about ourselves along the way that are unexpected and turn out to be central issues. Psychotherapy has the capacity to help us identify these central issues in a way that liberates and empowers us. In our work together, I will use psychodynamic psychotherapy to explore the issues you are concerned about, as well as who you are, what has shaped you, and what might be holding you back from living your life to the fullest. I have experience working with patients with a broad array of issues and diagnoses.
Sometimes we have a sense of the ways in which we hope to grow with psychotherapy, and sometimes we learn things about ourselves along the way that are unexpected and turn out to be central issues. Psychotherapy has the capacity to help us identify these central issues in a way that liberates and empowers us. In our work together, I will use psychodynamic psychotherapy to explore the issues you are concerned about, as well as who you are, what has shaped you, and what might be holding you back from living your life to the fullest. I have experience working with patients with a broad array of issues and diagnoses.
(617) 648-9622 View (617) 648-9622
Photo of Joe Gallego, Psychiatrist in Massachusetts
Joe Gallego
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02110
Making the decision to pursue psychiatric treatment requires courage and motivation. As your psychiatrist, I honor your willingness to be vulnerable with me by being transparent with you throughout our work together. My clinical approach balances directness with empathy, shared expectation with flexibility, and professionalism with humor and warmth. I provide psychiatric evaluations, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and medication management to adolescents and adults. I am passionate about caring for LGBTQIA+ people, and I have been researching and teaching about queer issues in health care for the past ten years.
Making the decision to pursue psychiatric treatment requires courage and motivation. As your psychiatrist, I honor your willingness to be vulnerable with me by being transparent with you throughout our work together. My clinical approach balances directness with empathy, shared expectation with flexibility, and professionalism with humor and warmth. I provide psychiatric evaluations, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and medication management to adolescents and adults. I am passionate about caring for LGBTQIA+ people, and I have been researching and teaching about queer issues in health care for the past ten years.
(508) 374-9271 View (508) 374-9271
Photo of Deborah M Moran, Psychiatrist in Massachusetts
Deborah M Moran
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02138
I integrate a biological and psychodynamic perspective in my work.
It's hard to see a psychiatrist! I see people in distress due to a crisis,a loss, a trauma or a major life change. This distress manifests as depression,mood swings,anxiety, racing thoughts,paranoia,insomnia etc.People are complicated. I do a comprehensive evaluation listening for various psychological, emotional and biologic "clues". This is an interactive and iterative process. "Our" formulation guides the treatment. I practice both psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. I often consult for colleagues in psychology and social work regarding the use of medications.I then manage the medications as part of the treatment team.
I integrate a biological and psychodynamic perspective in my work.
It's hard to see a psychiatrist! I see people in distress due to a crisis,a loss, a trauma or a major life change. This distress manifests as depression,mood swings,anxiety, racing thoughts,paranoia,insomnia etc.People are complicated. I do a comprehensive evaluation listening for various psychological, emotional and biologic "clues". This is an interactive and iterative process. "Our" formulation guides the treatment. I practice both psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. I often consult for colleagues in psychology and social work regarding the use of medications.I then manage the medications as part of the treatment team.
(617) 300-0452 View (617) 300-0452
Photo of Janet M Witte, Psychiatrist in Massachusetts
Janet M Witte
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brookline, MA 02446
I see patients for psychotherapy, medication management, or combined treatment; my primary therapy orientation is psychodynamic.
People often come to treatment seeking relief and support. Many are curious about patterns in their lives, and want to develop a deeper, more useful understanding of how and why things are unfolding as they are. Some have ideas about changes they want to make; others feel stymied in their pursuit of a vibrant, creative life. Good therapy provides the opportunity to engage with these and other deeply personal concerns in an environment of warmth and trust.
I see patients for psychotherapy, medication management, or combined treatment; my primary therapy orientation is psychodynamic.
People often come to treatment seeking relief and support. Many are curious about patterns in their lives, and want to develop a deeper, more useful understanding of how and why things are unfolding as they are. Some have ideas about changes they want to make; others feel stymied in their pursuit of a vibrant, creative life. Good therapy provides the opportunity to engage with these and other deeply personal concerns in an environment of warmth and trust.
(617) 663-8318 View (617) 663-8318
Photo of Laura Warren, Psychiatrist in Massachusetts
Laura Warren
Psychiatrist, M D
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02138
My style is holistic and draws from mindfulness, psychodynamic, self-compassion, CBT, and mind-body approaches.
Life can be intensely challenging, with great suffering and pain. It can be overwhelming to figure out how to jumpstart the healing process. It takes courage to pursue psychotherapy. Often if you trust the process and stay curious, therapy can facilitate powerful insight and personal growth. I help create an environment that is safe and supportive so you can develop reflective self-awareness and positive coping skills. This can help you live more fully and with resilience, catalyzing your healing. Currently I am also a part-time lecturer at Harvard, and senior faculty at the CHA Center for Mindfulness and Compassion.
My style is holistic and draws from mindfulness, psychodynamic, self-compassion, CBT, and mind-body approaches.
Life can be intensely challenging, with great suffering and pain. It can be overwhelming to figure out how to jumpstart the healing process. It takes courage to pursue psychotherapy. Often if you trust the process and stay curious, therapy can facilitate powerful insight and personal growth. I help create an environment that is safe and supportive so you can develop reflective self-awareness and positive coping skills. This can help you live more fully and with resilience, catalyzing your healing. Currently I am also a part-time lecturer at Harvard, and senior faculty at the CHA Center for Mindfulness and Compassion.
(617) 944-5562 View (617) 944-5562
Photo of Amber Frank, Psychiatrist in Massachusetts
Amber Frank
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02110
This may include supportive, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and dialectical behavior therapy strategies, depending on a patient’s individual needs.
Dr. Amber Frank is board certified in Adult Psychiatry. She received her medical degree from Harvard Medical School and completed her residency training at the Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School Adult Psychiatry Training Program. Dr. Frank believes in a holistic approach to patient care. She strives to understand and treat every patient using a framework that includes not just the biological (medical), but also the psychological, social, environmental, and cultural elements that may contribute to an individual person’s experience of mental health and wellness.
This may include supportive, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and dialectical behavior therapy strategies, depending on a patient’s individual needs.
Dr. Amber Frank is board certified in Adult Psychiatry. She received her medical degree from Harvard Medical School and completed her residency training at the Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School Adult Psychiatry Training Program. Dr. Frank believes in a holistic approach to patient care. She strives to understand and treat every patient using a framework that includes not just the biological (medical), but also the psychological, social, environmental, and cultural elements that may contribute to an individual person’s experience of mental health and wellness.
(617) 812-8845 View (617) 812-8845
Photo of Fredric Schiffer, Psychiatrist in Massachusetts
Fredric Schiffer
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Newton, MA 02461
I offer a novel approach that posits that trauma is more associated with one brain hemisphere (left or right) and needs to become the focus of an empathic, psychodynamic understanding and assistance.
I am the founder of the Dual-Brain Psychology Institute for the treatment of anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, and psychological wellbeing. (www.dual-brainpsychologyinstitute) and the author of Of Two Mind: Dual Brain Psychology (on Amazon) and the recipient of a successful, published NIH funded clinical trial on opioid cravings. My primary focus is the understanding and treatment of one's inner emotional distress and its impact on one's everyday life.
I offer a novel approach that posits that trauma is more associated with one brain hemisphere (left or right) and needs to become the focus of an empathic, psychodynamic understanding and assistance.
I am the founder of the Dual-Brain Psychology Institute for the treatment of anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, and psychological wellbeing. (www.dual-brainpsychologyinstitute) and the author of Of Two Mind: Dual Brain Psychology (on Amazon) and the recipient of a successful, published NIH funded clinical trial on opioid cravings. My primary focus is the understanding and treatment of one's inner emotional distress and its impact on one's everyday life.
(617) 409-2786 View (617) 409-2786
Photo of Jennifer Neuwalder, Psychiatrist in Massachusetts
Jennifer Neuwalder
Psychiatrist, MD, MArch
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02139
I practice creatively within psychodynamic and psychoanalytic frameworks, and I am familiar with DBT and CBT.
It's not necessarily easy to start (or restart) therapy. I am committed to honoring and transforming suffering through a compassionate, trauma-sensitive, eclectic approach. I welcome your complexity and curiosity as well as your suffering. We can discover together what can help you heal. I trained in psychiatry at UMass, and in child and adolescent psychiatry at Cambridge Health Alliance. My undergraduate and graduate education at Harvard, in visual art and architecture respectively, has provided a foundation for my comfort in exploring the unexpected and unknown. I bring this openness, creativity, and wonder to my therapeutic work.
I practice creatively within psychodynamic and psychoanalytic frameworks, and I am familiar with DBT and CBT.
It's not necessarily easy to start (or restart) therapy. I am committed to honoring and transforming suffering through a compassionate, trauma-sensitive, eclectic approach. I welcome your complexity and curiosity as well as your suffering. We can discover together what can help you heal. I trained in psychiatry at UMass, and in child and adolescent psychiatry at Cambridge Health Alliance. My undergraduate and graduate education at Harvard, in visual art and architecture respectively, has provided a foundation for my comfort in exploring the unexpected and unknown. I bring this openness, creativity, and wonder to my therapeutic work.
(617) 544-8290 View (617) 544-8290
Photo of Kaloyan Tanev, Psychiatrist in Massachusetts
Kaloyan Tanev
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02114
I help clients resolve psychological or psychiatric problems that keep them from fully experiencing their lives. I also work with people to help them achieve their life goals. Because no two people are the same, treatment for every person should be individually tailored. I do therapy, and use medications when they are needed. Some of the therapies I use are hypnotherapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, couples and family therapy. I help with anxiety, mood problems, habit problems, co-morbid medical and psychiatric problems, relationship and family problems.
I help clients resolve psychological or psychiatric problems that keep them from fully experiencing their lives. I also work with people to help them achieve their life goals. Because no two people are the same, treatment for every person should be individually tailored. I do therapy, and use medications when they are needed. Some of the therapies I use are hypnotherapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, couples and family therapy. I help with anxiety, mood problems, habit problems, co-morbid medical and psychiatric problems, relationship and family problems.
(617) 206-3425 View (617) 206-3425
Photo of Diane Germano, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Massachusetts
Diane Germano
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, BC
Verified Verified
Brookline, MA 02446
My practice focuses on helping people with anxiety, depression, and mood disorders, PTSD; individuation within the framework of psychodynamic psychotherapy. I particularly enjoy working with adolescents (18+), adults, couples, and people involved in the arts. Childhood experiences and relationships with one's family of origin influence an individual's personality and provides a template for future relationships. It can therefore be fruitful to understand via therapy that your family relationships are not destiny. I believe therapy is a psychological and spiritual journey, requiring empathy, patience, and validation of feelings.
My practice focuses on helping people with anxiety, depression, and mood disorders, PTSD; individuation within the framework of psychodynamic psychotherapy. I particularly enjoy working with adolescents (18+), adults, couples, and people involved in the arts. Childhood experiences and relationships with one's family of origin influence an individual's personality and provides a template for future relationships. It can therefore be fruitful to understand via therapy that your family relationships are not destiny. I believe therapy is a psychological and spiritual journey, requiring empathy, patience, and validation of feelings.
(617) 446-3247 View (617) 446-3247
Photo of Menekse Alpay, Psychiatrist in Massachusetts
Menekse Alpay
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02138
I am well-versed in different psychotherapies including psychoanalysis, psychodynamic therapy, dialectical-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based therapy and interpersonal therapy.
I work with individuals who have anxiety, depression, mood disorders, insomnia, relationship problems, trauma history, medical illness, neurological illness, and/or individuals who are helping family members with these problems. My experience over the last 25 years in psychiatry has shown that medications are helpful but do not take care of all problems in life. I offer combined psychiatric treatment. I received my psychiatric residency training from Georgetown University Hospital and fellowship in Psychosomatic Medicine from Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School.
I am well-versed in different psychotherapies including psychoanalysis, psychodynamic therapy, dialectical-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based therapy and interpersonal therapy.
I work with individuals who have anxiety, depression, mood disorders, insomnia, relationship problems, trauma history, medical illness, neurological illness, and/or individuals who are helping family members with these problems. My experience over the last 25 years in psychiatry has shown that medications are helpful but do not take care of all problems in life. I offer combined psychiatric treatment. I received my psychiatric residency training from Georgetown University Hospital and fellowship in Psychosomatic Medicine from Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School.
(617) 231-9618 View (617) 231-9618
Cynthia Telingator
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02139
My career has focused on humanistic and relational approaches to taking care of children, adolescents, adults and families. Shame, stigma and loss impact development in a multitude of ways, and can deter people from reaching their personal and professional goals. Disruption due to trauma, loss, medical and mental health issues can have long lasting effects. I practice psychodynamic psychotherapy and focus on supporting one's resilience and strengths while exploring experiences and feelings which may interfere with forward movement.
My career has focused on humanistic and relational approaches to taking care of children, adolescents, adults and families. Shame, stigma and loss impact development in a multitude of ways, and can deter people from reaching their personal and professional goals. Disruption due to trauma, loss, medical and mental health issues can have long lasting effects. I practice psychodynamic psychotherapy and focus on supporting one's resilience and strengths while exploring experiences and feelings which may interfere with forward movement.
(617) 553-9082 View (617) 553-9082
Photo of Mary-Ellen Meltzer PMHCNS, CST-S, Psychiatric Nurse in Massachusetts
Mary-Ellen Meltzer PMHCNS, CST-S
Psychiatric Nurse, PMHCNS-, BC, CST-, S
Verified Verified
Norwood, MA 02062
My style is mostly psychodynamic focusing on systems and relational theory.
My name is Mary-Ellen Meltzer and I am a psychiatric clinical nurse specialist and AASECT certified sex therapist and sex therapist supervisor. I am LGBTQIAA and kink affirming. I work with individuals and couples who struggle with relationship and sexual health issues. When you are struggling with sexual and /or relationship issues it can be hard to identify a therapist to help you make sense of what you are experiencing. You do not need to struggle alone. I also work with clients who struggle with depression, bipolar, anxiety and substance use disorders. All genders, relationships and cultures are welcome.
My style is mostly psychodynamic focusing on systems and relational theory.
My name is Mary-Ellen Meltzer and I am a psychiatric clinical nurse specialist and AASECT certified sex therapist and sex therapist supervisor. I am LGBTQIAA and kink affirming. I work with individuals and couples who struggle with relationship and sexual health issues. When you are struggling with sexual and /or relationship issues it can be hard to identify a therapist to help you make sense of what you are experiencing. You do not need to struggle alone. I also work with clients who struggle with depression, bipolar, anxiety and substance use disorders. All genders, relationships and cultures are welcome.
(781) 209-5408 x1 View (781) 209-5408 x1
Photo of Arnold Robbins, Psychiatrist in Massachusetts
Arnold Robbins
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02139  (Online Only)
I have experience in psychodynamic, relational and self psychological psychotherapies, and attune my therapy to the individual, never the diagnosis.
I provide comprehensive humanistic psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. I have a lot of experience and clinical know-how across many psychotherapeutic approaches. I am empathic and thoughtful and approachable. I am a Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Boston University, and a Lecturer at Tufts . I am a sought after supervisor for resident psychiatrists and colleagues. I work with all age groups except young children. My web site (ArnoldRobbinsMD.com.} I am comprehensive in my evaluations and treatment recommendations. I am responsive to each patient's needs. I use cinema to illustrate important emotions.
I have experience in psychodynamic, relational and self psychological psychotherapies, and attune my therapy to the individual, never the diagnosis.
I provide comprehensive humanistic psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. I have a lot of experience and clinical know-how across many psychotherapeutic approaches. I am empathic and thoughtful and approachable. I am a Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Boston University, and a Lecturer at Tufts . I am a sought after supervisor for resident psychiatrists and colleagues. I work with all age groups except young children. My web site (ArnoldRobbinsMD.com.} I am comprehensive in my evaluations and treatment recommendations. I am responsive to each patient's needs. I use cinema to illustrate important emotions.
(617) 941-4131 View (617) 941-4131
Photo of Jonathan DeWeese, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Massachusetts
Jonathan DeWeese
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02116
I am a psychotherapist and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner based in Cambridge, MA, offering both psychotherapy (talk therapy), ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, and psychiatric medication management. As a post-graduate fellow at the Psychotherapy Institute of Back Bay (PIBB), I see individual and couples psychotherapy clients at our office in Copley Square, Boston. I also see clients in my private practice in Central Square, Cambridge. My interests include psychodynamic psychotherapy, relationship issues, men's issues, spiritual/existential issues, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), and psychedelic integration work.
I am a psychotherapist and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner based in Cambridge, MA, offering both psychotherapy (talk therapy), ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, and psychiatric medication management. As a post-graduate fellow at the Psychotherapy Institute of Back Bay (PIBB), I see individual and couples psychotherapy clients at our office in Copley Square, Boston. I also see clients in my private practice in Central Square, Cambridge. My interests include psychodynamic psychotherapy, relationship issues, men's issues, spiritual/existential issues, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), and psychedelic integration work.
(857) 597-3105 View (857) 597-3105
Photo of Andrew Compaine, Psychiatrist in Massachusetts
Andrew Compaine
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Weston, MA 02493
My approach is to synthesize a medical-model to the evaluation and treatment of your symptoms with a commitment to psychodynamic therapy. Diagnostic labels can be useful if you may need medications; but,even more important is our work together to understand the context of your current difficulties. What are the triggers for your symptoms; what are the meanings you give to feelings; and, how do your relationships, past and present, effect your coping style? My aim is to facilitate your growth towards ever greater authenticity, and to empower you to make healthier choices and maintain a more positive outlook.
My approach is to synthesize a medical-model to the evaluation and treatment of your symptoms with a commitment to psychodynamic therapy. Diagnostic labels can be useful if you may need medications; but,even more important is our work together to understand the context of your current difficulties. What are the triggers for your symptoms; what are the meanings you give to feelings; and, how do your relationships, past and present, effect your coping style? My aim is to facilitate your growth towards ever greater authenticity, and to empower you to make healthier choices and maintain a more positive outlook.
(781) 479-2171 View (781) 479-2171
Photo of Tyrone J Williams, Psychiatrist in Massachusetts
Tyrone J Williams
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02138
I have experience in psychodynamic psychotherapy, CBT, and family therapy and use an eclectic approach that makes sense based on an individual's needs.
I am a psychiatrist in private practice in Cambridge, Massachusetts with board certification in adult and child & adolescent psychiatry. I have 15 years of experience in practice and most commonly treat ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and substance use. I specialize in individual therapy and provide guidance to parents and families. I normally emphasize diet, exercise, and sleeping habits as essential elements to therapy. If I think it makes sense, I will prescribe medications, collaborating with my patients and their healthcare providers to make safe and appropriate medication choices.
I have experience in psychodynamic psychotherapy, CBT, and family therapy and use an eclectic approach that makes sense based on an individual's needs.
I am a psychiatrist in private practice in Cambridge, Massachusetts with board certification in adult and child & adolescent psychiatry. I have 15 years of experience in practice and most commonly treat ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and substance use. I specialize in individual therapy and provide guidance to parents and families. I normally emphasize diet, exercise, and sleeping habits as essential elements to therapy. If I think it makes sense, I will prescribe medications, collaborating with my patients and their healthcare providers to make safe and appropriate medication choices.
(617) 941-4632 View (617) 941-4632
Photo of Anthony Marfeo, Psychiatrist in Massachusetts
Anthony Marfeo
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Lexington, MA 02420  (Online Only)
I am experienced in treating a wide range of motivated adult patients. I graduated Yale Medical School in 2010, completed four years of psychiatry training in 2014 at the Harvard Longwood Psychiatry Residency Training program, and am board-certified in psychiatry. I’ve also spent several years pursuing advanced training in insight-oriented psychodynamic therapy. My approach to mental health is comprehensive, taking into account the entire multidimensional person and the context of their lives.
I am experienced in treating a wide range of motivated adult patients. I graduated Yale Medical School in 2010, completed four years of psychiatry training in 2014 at the Harvard Longwood Psychiatry Residency Training program, and am board-certified in psychiatry. I’ve also spent several years pursuing advanced training in insight-oriented psychodynamic therapy. My approach to mental health is comprehensive, taking into account the entire multidimensional person and the context of their lives.
(617) 804-5133 View (617) 804-5133

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Psychodynamic Psychiatrists

Is psychodynamic therapy evidence-based?

Studies have found psychodynamic therapy to be effective in treating conditions like social anxiety, eating disorders, chronic pain, some personality disorders, and depression; indeed, some studies have found it to be just as effective as CBT or medication. What’s more, several studies have found that the benefits of psychodynamic therapy tend to endure—even grow—long after treatment has ended.

How long does psychodynamic therapy last?

Unlike CBT and other more structured forms of therapy, psychodynamic therapy tends to be open-ended and may not be limited to a set number of sessions. It is common for clients to be in therapy for a year or longer and to see their therapist one to three times a week, though the exact schedule and timeline may vary depending on a client’s challenges and progress. However, brief psychodynamic therapy is available, which tends to be more goal-oriented and typically unfolds over 16 to 30 sessions.

Does psychodynamic therapy work?

Research finds that psychodynamic therapy can help someone manage or reduce symptoms of diagnosable mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. The modality may also offer a range of benefits that are harder to measure but just as valuable—such as increased self-worth or healthier relationships. While no therapy type will work for everyone, research and anecdotal evidence suggest that psychodynamic therapy can be highly effective.

What are the limitations of psychodynamic therapy?

Some meta-analyses have concluded that there is little evidence to suggest that psychodynamic therapy can effectively treat certain mental health conditions such as PTSD, OCD, or psychosis, though it is sometimes used to do so. More broadly, the open-ended, free-association structure of psychodynamic therapy may be frustrating for clients who prefer a more structured, time-limited, or goal-oriented approach.