Online in Massachusetts
(Online Only)
I specialize in helping individuals and care-partner dyads navigate the emotional and physical challenges that come with serious medical conditions such as ALS, stroke, and other neurodegenerative or acute neurological illnesses. My work centers on supporting clients as they adjust to changes in identity, ability, and daily life while strengthening their resilience and connection to what matters most.
As a Clinical Health Psychologist, I offer a compassionate, collaborative space where we explore tools grounded in science and guided by your unique values. I use an integrative, person-centered approach, drawing from evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Meaning-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness-based interventions. Whether working with individuals or care-partner pairs, my goal is to reduce suffering, enhance emotional well-being, and help people live fully—even in the face of illness.
In addition to private practice, I serve as a psychologist and researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, where I develop and study interventions for people with ALS and their care-partners. My research is nationally funded and published in leading medical and psychology journals.
Outside of work, I find joy in hiking, yoga, travel, dark chocolate, and time with my family. If you're navigating the challenges of illness—your own or a loved one’s—you don’t have to do it alone. I’d be honored to support you. You can reach me directly at christina@nchpsych.com.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Senior, Young Adult
Treatment Approach
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Helps people accept difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, while committing to actions that reflect their values. It blends mindfulness with practical behavior strategies.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Combines CBT with mindfulness to help regulate emotions, tolerate stress, and build stronger relationships. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder, it’s now used more broadly.
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Combines mindfulness practices with CBT to prevent depression relapse. It helps people notice thoughts without judgment and respond more calmly.
Approach Description: My work is guided by compassion, scientific rigor, and a deep respect for each client’s lived experience. I tailor interventions from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Meaning-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based practices to support clients in adjusting to illness, strengthening coping skills, and reconnecting with meaning and purpose. Whether supporting someone newly diagnosed or helping a care-partner navigate uncertainty and loss, my work focuses on building resilience and enhancing quality of life in ways that matter most to her clients.
Education & Credentials
Dr. Christina Rush PhD
- Female
- License # PSY10000087
- Licensed in Massachusetts
- Practicing Since 2017
Education: I earned my PhD in Clinical Health Psychology from the University of Colorado Denver. Afterward, I pursued a post-doctoral fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital / Harvard Medical School.
Finances
Fees
- Average Session Fee 250 (OON), Co-pay for In-Network depend on your insurance plan
- Accepts Insurance
- Aetna, BCBS, and Out-of-Network
Dr. Christina Rush Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available Online for residents of Massachusetts
- Online Therapy Details: Secured HIPAA-Compliant Telehealth Platform
The National Center for Health Psychology (NCHP) is a group practice of Clinical Health Psychologists dedicated to delivering compassionate, evidence-based psychological care for individuals living with medical illness, chronic health conditions, and pain—as well as their caregivers.
Our team specializes in integrative, research-informed approaches that support emotional resilience, behavior change, and quality of life. We bring deep expertise in interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based approaches, and dyadic care models for patients and their support partners.
Most of our clinicians also hold full-time appointments at top academic medical centers, where we are engaged in cutting-edge clinical work, teaching, and research. This means our clients benefit from the latest scientific knowledge delivered in a warm, personalized, and collaborative setting.
At NCHP, we are committed to helping people find meaning, strength, and connection—even in the midst of serious health challenges.