Individual Therapy in Massachusetts
Individual therapy is a one-on-one treatment relationship between a patient and a licensed clinician, designed to address mental health symptoms through structured, evidence-based methods. At Cedar Hill Behavioral Health in Southborough, individual therapy is a core part of every level of care we provide — from outpatient support to our partial hospitalization program — and is delivered by clinicians trained in cognitive, behavioral, psychodynamic, and trauma-focused approaches.
This page explains who individual therapy is appropriate for, what we treat, the modalities our clinicians use, and what a typical course of care looks like at Cedar Hill.
Who individual therapy at Cedar Hill is for
Adults seeking individual therapy with us are typically managing one or more of the following:
- Anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and social anxiety
- Depression and mood disorders, including persistent depressive disorder and bipolar disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related conditions
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and other personality disorders
- Co-occurring symptoms that have not responded to medication alone or to less structured outpatient care
We also work with veterans and their families. Cedar Hill is veteran-owned, and our clinical approach is informed by direct experience with the symptoms, life context, and treatment expectations common in the veteran population.
We do not provide inpatient hospitalization. If a patient is in acute crisis or requires 24-hour supervision, we will help arrange the appropriate level of care.
Therapeutic approaches our clinicians use
There is no single therapy that works for every condition or every person. Our clinicians select and combine methods based on what the diagnosis, symptom pattern, and treatment history suggest will be most effective.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). A structured, time-limited approach that targets the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Strong evidence base for depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, and insomnia.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Combines cognitive techniques with skills training in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Originally developed for borderline personality disorder; now used for emotion dysregulation, self-harm, and chronic suicidality.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Focuses on psychological flexibility — accepting difficult internal experiences while taking action consistent with personal values. Useful for chronic anxiety, depression, and conditions where avoidance has become a primary coping strategy.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). A standardized, eight-phase protocol for processing traumatic memories. Recommended by the American Psychiatric Association and the Department of Veterans Affairs as a first-line treatment for PTSD.
Psychodynamic therapy. Explores how earlier relationships and unconscious patterns shape current symptoms and decisions. Often used alongside symptom-focused methods when there is a longer-term pattern that briefer approaches haven’t fully addressed.
The course of care is reviewed regularly. If progress slows or the presenting concern shifts, the approach is adjusted with the patient’s input.
What to expect in a session
A first appointment focuses on assessment: presenting concerns, history, current functioning, prior treatment, current medications, and goals. From that, the clinician proposes a working treatment plan — modality, expected frequency, and how progress will be measured.
Subsequent sessions are typically 50 to 55 minutes, weekly or twice weekly depending on the level of care. Sessions are private; what is discussed is protected by clinical confidentiality, with the standard exceptions for imminent safety concerns and mandatory reporting required by Massachusetts law.
Patients are encouraged to ask about the rationale behind any technique or homework assignment. If a method isn’t a fit, that is useful information; we adjust.
How individual therapy fits within our levels of care
Cedar Hill provides three levels of outpatient care, and individual therapy is a component of each.
| Level of care | Typical schedule | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) | 5 days per week, several hours per day | Adults with severe symptoms who need intensive structure but not 24-hour care |
| Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) | 3–4 days per week, ~3 hours per session | Adults stepping down from PHP, or those whose symptoms exceed what weekly therapy can address |
| Outpatient Program (OP) | Weekly individual sessions, with optional group | Adults with stable functioning who benefit from ongoing therapeutic support |
The right level of care is determined at intake based on symptom severity, current functioning, and prior treatment history. Patients commonly move between levels as their needs change.
Insurance and same-day admissions
Cedar Hill accepts most major commercial insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Beacon, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Cigna, Harvard Pilgrim, Tufts Health Plan, and UMR. We offer free insurance verification: our admissions team will confirm benefits, applicable copays or coinsurance, and any prior authorization requirements before you start.
For appropriate candidates, we offer same-day admissions. If you call before noon on a weekday with a complete insurance verification, an intake assessment can typically be scheduled the same day or the next business morning.
Patients without insurance can discuss self-pay options with our admissions team.
Why patients choose Cedar Hill
- Veteran-owned and clinically led. Our leadership includes clinicians with direct experience treating PTSD, mood disorders, and substance-related conditions in both civilian and veteran populations.
- Three coordinated levels of care under one roof. Patients don’t have to start over with a new provider when they step up or down.
- Medical reviewer oversight. Clinical content and treatment standards are reviewed by Matthew Howe, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
- Located in Southborough, MA, accessible from the MetroWest area and along I-90 / I-495.
FAQ
How long does individual therapy take to work?
For symptom-focused conditions like anxiety or mild-to-moderate depression, many patients notice meaningful change within 8 to 16 weekly CBT sessions. Trauma processing with EMDR varies by case. Longer-term patterns addressed through psychodynamic work typically take longer. Your clinician will set realistic expectations at intake and review progress with you regularly.
Can I do individual therapy without medication?
Yes. Many patients are treated with therapy alone. If your clinician believes medication evaluation would be helpful, that conversation happens openly, and any decision about medication remains yours.
Do you provide telehealth?
We deliver care primarily in person at our Southborough office. Specific session formats can be discussed at intake.
Is what I share confidential?
Yes, with the legally required exceptions: imminent risk of harm to yourself or others, suspected abuse or neglect of a minor or vulnerable adult, and court orders. These limits are reviewed at your first appointment.
What if I'm not sure individual therapy is the right level of care?
That is a normal question and one we help answer at intake. The assessment is designed to match you with the level of care that fits your current symptoms, not to push you into a higher level than you need.
Get started
If you or someone you care about is considering individual therapy, the next step is a phone call.
Call (508) 310-4580 to speak with our admissions team about scheduling an assessment, or use our free insurance verification form.
Making a Referral?
Payment for Care
Medical Reviewer
Matthew Howe, PMHNP-BC
Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Philosophy (Summa Cum Laude) from Plymouth State University, and MSN degrees from Rivier and Herzing Universities. Specializing in PTSD, mood, anxiety, and personality disorders, with expertise in psychodynamic therapy, psychopharmacology, and addiction treatment. I emphasize medication as an adjunct to psychotherapy and lifestyle changes.
Insurance
Check if your insurance will cover the cost of treatment.
"*" indicates required fields
we are here for you
Get the help you need today.
Contact Us
We Are Here to Help
"*" indicates required fields
