Psychodynamic Psychiatrists in Massachusetts

Photo of Samuel Sheffield, Psychiatrist in Massachusetts
Samuel Sheffield
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brookline, MA 02446
I work with a broad range of adults but have special expertise in psychopharmacology, psychodynamic psychotherapy, college mental health, and LGBTQ populations.
If your mental health challenges are hindering your personal, academic, or professional life, and you are ready to ask for help, you have taken a significant step by starting your search. I would like to help you find a path to greater well-being. My approach begins with a consultation to discuss your concerns and treatment options.
I work with a broad range of adults but have special expertise in psychopharmacology, psychodynamic psychotherapy, college mental health, and LGBTQ populations.
If your mental health challenges are hindering your personal, academic, or professional life, and you are ready to ask for help, you have taken a significant step by starting your search. I would like to help you find a path to greater well-being. My approach begins with a consultation to discuss your concerns and treatment options.
(617) 440-3579 View (617) 440-3579
Photo of Rachel Steere, Psychiatrist in Massachusetts
Rachel Steere
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02116
Waitlist for new clients
I am a double board-certified psychiatrist in adult psychiatry and addiction psychiatry in Boston, Massachusetts. I provide psychiatric evaluation, consultation, individual psychodynamic psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology for adults age 18-65. My focus is on helping individuals to develop a greater understanding of themselves and their patterns of relating to others as they navigate life transitions, relationships, losses, and life’s many complexities.
I am a double board-certified psychiatrist in adult psychiatry and addiction psychiatry in Boston, Massachusetts. I provide psychiatric evaluation, consultation, individual psychodynamic psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology for adults age 18-65. My focus is on helping individuals to develop a greater understanding of themselves and their patterns of relating to others as they navigate life transitions, relationships, losses, and life’s many complexities.
(857) 382-3215 View (857) 382-3215
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
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 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 Nhi-Ha T Trinh, Psychiatrist in Massachusetts
Nhi-Ha T Trinh
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02139  (Online Only)
My goal is to work collaboratively with you to identify, understand, and tailor treatment to best address your concerns, using a compassionate, holistic, strengths-based perspective. I provide telehealth consultation, culturally responsive psychiatry, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and psychiatric medication management.
My goal is to work collaboratively with you to identify, understand, and tailor treatment to best address your concerns, using a compassionate, holistic, strengths-based perspective. I provide telehealth consultation, culturally responsive psychiatry, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and psychiatric medication management.
(617) 906-7330 View (617) 906-7330
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 therapeutic style is mostly psychodynamic utilizing systems theory and the developmental model.
My name is Mary-Ellen Meltzer and I am an AASECT certified sex therapist, sex therapist supervisor, and a psychiatric clinical nurse specialist. I am LGBTQIAA and kink affirming. I work with couples and individuals who struggle with relationship and sexual health issues. I also work with clients who struggle with medical health issues including cancer and menopause. 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. All genders, relationships and cultures are welcome.
My therapeutic style is mostly psychodynamic utilizing systems theory and the developmental model.
My name is Mary-Ellen Meltzer and I am an AASECT certified sex therapist, sex therapist supervisor, and a psychiatric clinical nurse specialist. I am LGBTQIAA and kink affirming. I work with couples and individuals who struggle with relationship and sexual health issues. I also work with clients who struggle with medical health issues including cancer and menopause. 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. All genders, relationships and cultures are welcome.
(781) 209-5408 x1 View (781) 209-5408 x1
Photo of Christine Boie, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Massachusetts
Christine Boie
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, CNS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brookline, MA 02446
I am a Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist with over 25 years of experience in the field of Mental Health. I currently work with adults providing individual, couple and group psychotherapy. I can prescribe medication, if necessary, as an adjunct to psychotherapy. I believe that psychotherapy can be healing and transformative. My theoretical grounding is psychodynamic and interpersonal. Keeping silent and shut down over the years can lead to a variety of painful issues - depression, anxiety, obsessions, physical ailments - which can often lead to difficulty functioning and conflicted relationships.
I am a Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist with over 25 years of experience in the field of Mental Health. I currently work with adults providing individual, couple and group psychotherapy. I can prescribe medication, if necessary, as an adjunct to psychotherapy. I believe that psychotherapy can be healing and transformative. My theoretical grounding is psychodynamic and interpersonal. Keeping silent and shut down over the years can lead to a variety of painful issues - depression, anxiety, obsessions, physical ailments - which can often lead to difficulty functioning and conflicted relationships.
(857) 320-3322 View (857) 320-3322
Photo of Joel E. Rosen, Psychiatrist in Massachusetts
Joel E. Rosen
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Northampton, MA 01060
My first priority throughout my many years of practice of psychotherapy and psychoanalysis has been to create the environment of trust and safety that any therapeutic relationship must have to be successful. I believe that the changes psychotherapy can bring about occur through an increased capacity for self-understanding and the ability to make sense of one's own experience. I am pragmatic and believe that a variety of psychodynamic approaches may be used depending on the problem at hand.
My first priority throughout my many years of practice of psychotherapy and psychoanalysis has been to create the environment of trust and safety that any therapeutic relationship must have to be successful. I believe that the changes psychotherapy can bring about occur through an increased capacity for self-understanding and the ability to make sense of one's own experience. I am pragmatic and believe that a variety of psychodynamic approaches may be used depending on the problem at hand.
(413) 277-7948 View (413) 277-7948
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
Photo of Philip Sullivan, Psychiatrist in Massachusetts
Philip Sullivan
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02110  (Online Only)
Doctor Phillip Sullivan is a staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He is board certified in both adult psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry. His interest in psychiatric treatment was originally triggered by the humanistic writings of Abraham Maslow, Carl Rogers, and Rollo May. As he earned his medical degree and started post-graduate psychiatric training, he went on to learn psycho-pharmacological, cognitive-behavioral, and psychodynamic treatment approaches.
Doctor Phillip Sullivan is a staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry. He is board certified in both adult psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry. His interest in psychiatric treatment was originally triggered by the humanistic writings of Abraham Maslow, Carl Rogers, and Rollo May. As he earned his medical degree and started post-graduate psychiatric training, he went on to learn psycho-pharmacological, cognitive-behavioral, and psychodynamic treatment approaches.
(617) 397-7728 View (617) 397-7728
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 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 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 Annamaria Moldovan, Psychiatrist in Massachusetts
Annamaria Moldovan
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02110
Dr. Annamaria Moldovan completed her medical education at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Cluj, Romania. She completed a Residency program in Family Medicine at the same institution and was Board certified in the specialty. After coming to the US, she completed the Residency program in Psychiatry at the VCU-Medical College of Virginia. She is board certified in Adult Psychiatry. She became interested in the in-depth study of human development and behavior and enrolled in a program called “Modern Perspectives on Psychodynamic Psychotherapy “ at the Washington Psychoanalytic Institute in D.C.
Dr. Annamaria Moldovan completed her medical education at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Cluj, Romania. She completed a Residency program in Family Medicine at the same institution and was Board certified in the specialty. After coming to the US, she completed the Residency program in Psychiatry at the VCU-Medical College of Virginia. She is board certified in Adult Psychiatry. She became interested in the in-depth study of human development and behavior and enrolled in a program called “Modern Perspectives on Psychodynamic Psychotherapy “ at the Washington Psychoanalytic Institute in D.C.
(857) 575-5430 View (857) 575-5430
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 Howard M Katz, Psychiatrist in Massachusetts
Howard M Katz
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Brookline, MA 02446
Over 35 years of practice, I have understood that first and foremost, a therapy relationship must provide trust and safety. In such a setting, close and active listening helps to illuminate a person’s inner world and establish a dialog that deepens self-understanding and acceptance. An expanded narrative of the self and discovery of new modes of thinking leads toward more positive feeling and action. I am pragmatic: People want help with pressing problems in living and we go with what works – choosing from a range of psychodynamic approaches those best tailored to a person’s specific needs.
Over 35 years of practice, I have understood that first and foremost, a therapy relationship must provide trust and safety. In such a setting, close and active listening helps to illuminate a person’s inner world and establish a dialog that deepens self-understanding and acceptance. An expanded narrative of the self and discovery of new modes of thinking leads toward more positive feeling and action. I am pragmatic: People want help with pressing problems in living and we go with what works – choosing from a range of psychodynamic approaches those best tailored to a person’s specific needs.
(617) 500-2605 View (617) 500-2605
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 Arthi Kumaravel, Psychiatrist in Massachusetts
Arthi Kumaravel
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Brookline, MA 02446  (Online Only)
I am a Harvard trained psychiatrist with a background in psychopharmacological (medication) approaches as well as a variety of therapy modalities, including psychodynamic psychotherapy, CBT, DBT, ACT, couples and group therapy.
Reaching out for help is one of the hardest yet crucial steps in improving your psychological well-being, and one which I commend you for doing. It can be difficult to find a psychiatrist that feels right for you. But once a strong connection is formed, that relationship can be a life changing experience for you. You deserve a safe space to explore the psychological, social, cultural, relationship and biological contributors to your mental health. I aim to provide you with this safe space using both therapy and medications tailored to address your specific mental health needs.
I am a Harvard trained psychiatrist with a background in psychopharmacological (medication) approaches as well as a variety of therapy modalities, including psychodynamic psychotherapy, CBT, DBT, ACT, couples and group therapy.
Reaching out for help is one of the hardest yet crucial steps in improving your psychological well-being, and one which I commend you for doing. It can be difficult to find a psychiatrist that feels right for you. But once a strong connection is formed, that relationship can be a life changing experience for you. You deserve a safe space to explore the psychological, social, cultural, relationship and biological contributors to your mental health. I aim to provide you with this safe space using both therapy and medications tailored to address your specific mental health needs.
(617) 812-7464 View (617) 812-7464
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

See more therapy options for Massachusetts

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.