Online in Massachusetts
(Online Only)
I'm a firm believer that you don’t need to wait until things get really bad to start therapy.
Every person is unique, and therapy should be the same - that’s why I take a tailored, individualized approach that’s flexible to meet your needs and goals. The foundation of my work is a multicultural-feminist perspective that positions you as the expert of your own experience. I take a warm, collaborative approach to help you get clarity about who you are and how you want your life to look. I also integrate evidence-based interventions from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and relational frameworks. My goals involve helping clients move upstream to identify and resolve systemic and personal patterns that keep them stuck and working together to find more joy.
I also believe that the personal is political. More often than not, sociopolitical systems of oppression like racism, sexism, heterosexism, transphobia, ableism, and more directly impact mental health. As a result, I take an actively anti-racist, intersectional, identity-affirming approach with clients across a broad spectrum of marginalization and privilege.
I specialize in working with college students, graduate students, young adults, and professionals in Massachusetts on a variety of common issues including: mood (anxiety, depression), identity development, life transitions and adjustment, ADHD, relationship issues, academic and career issues, and burnout.
Client Focus
Session Format: Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Asian, Black / African American, Hispanic / Latino, Jewish, LGBTQ+, Men, Middle Eastern, Muslim, Native American, Pacific Islander, Persons with Disabilities, Women clients.
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.
- Art Therapy Uses creative activities like drawing, painting, or sculpture as a way to express emotions. It is especially helpful when words are hard to find.
- 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.
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) Builds skills in self-kindness and compassion toward others. It is especially helpful for people who struggle with shame or self-criticism.
- 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.
- Eclectic Therapy Draws from different therapeutic methods based on what fits each client best. It is flexible and personalized rather than following one single model.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Focuses on strengthening emotional bonds in couples or families. It helps people identify negative cycles and create more secure connections.
- Existential / Humanistic Therapy Encourages people to explore meaning, freedom, and authenticity in their lives. It focuses on personal growth and living in alignment with one’s values.
- Feminist Therapy Addresses how gender roles, power, and social inequality affect mental health. It empowers clients to challenge limiting beliefs and systems.
- Integrative Therapy Combines techniques from multiple approaches into a customized plan. It adapts to each client’s unique situation and needs.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) A short-term approach focused on improving relationships and social support. It is often used for depression and grief.
- Multicultural Therapy Acknowledges the role of culture, race, and identity in mental health. It values diversity and adapts treatment to each person’s background.
- Narrative Therapy Encourages people to view problems as separate from themselves and reframe their life story. It helps build resilience and self-identity.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Psychodynamic Therapy Explores unconscious thoughts and patterns that influence current behavior. It builds insight into how the past impacts the present.
- Psychoeducational Therapy Provides education and coping tools about mental health conditions. It empowers clients with knowledge and practical skills.
- Psychosocial Therapy Looks at how social and environmental factors affect psychological health. It emphasizes relationships, community, and resilience.
- Relational Psychotherapy Emphasizes the healing power of the therapist-client relationship. It uses trust and safety as a foundation for change.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Focuses on solutions and future goals rather than past problems. It is practical, short-term, and goal-driven.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee $135-$175
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- We offer a limited number of sliding scale options for clients who have difficulty affording therapy. Please reach out to us for our current sliding scale rates and eligibility.
- Accepts Insurance
- Blue Cross, Blue Shield, BlueCross and Blue Shield, United Health Care UHC/UBH, Optum, Harvard Pilgrim, UMR, Aetna, Mass General Brigham, Student Resources, Out of Network
Education & Credentials
Dr. Kirsten Christensen Ph.D.
- Female
- License # PSY5000392
- Licensed in Massachusetts
- Practicing Since 2017
Dr. Kirsten Christensen Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available Online for residents of Massachusetts
- Online Therapy Details: https://upstreammentalhealth.clientsecure.me
I offer online individual therapy to clients located in Massachusetts.