Welcome to Upstream Mental Health!

If you’ve found your way here, welcome. We’re really glad you’re here.

At Upstream Mental Health, we believe that therapy isn’t just about symptom relief—it’s about understanding your story, your context, and what healing looks like for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, academic or career stress, or navigating your identity, we’re here to walk alongside you with curiosity, compassion, and care.

We serve adults and young adults across Massachusetts through virtual therapy, and we specialize in supporting college students, graduate students, and professionals who are trying to stay afloat in a world that can feel exhausting, confusing, or just too much.

What “Upstream” Means to Us

Our name is more than just a metaphor. The “upstream” approach to mental health means we don’t just look at what's happening on the surface—we go deeper.

Anxiety, burnout, self-doubt, attention struggles, identity questions: these don’t come out of nowhere. They’re often shaped by life experiences, systems we’re part of, messages we’ve internalized. At Upstream, we help you understand what’s really going on—so you can move forward with more clarity and more control.

We also know that your identities, your cultural background, and the communities you belong to shape how you experience the world. Our practice is grounded in cultural humility, social justice, and a deep respect for your lived experience.

How We Can Support You

You don’t have to be in crisis to come to therapy. Many of our clients are people who “look fine” on the outside—but are carrying a lot internally. If you’re feeling stuck, exhausted, anxious, or just unsure of your next step, therapy can help.

We offer:

Individual Therapy

We work with adults and young adults on issues like anxiety, stress, life transitions, self-worth, and more. Therapy sessions are tailored to you—we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all approaches. Whether you’re new to therapy or returning after a break, you’ll find a space here that’s warm, collaborative, and focused on what matters most to you.

ADHD Assessments

If you’ve been wondering whether ADHD might be part of your story, we offer comprehensive assessments that can provide clarity and next steps. These evaluations are especially helpful for folks navigating school or work environments where attention challenges can feel like a daily struggle. We’ll walk you through the process and help you understand your results—without jargon, shame, or confusion.

Gender-Affirming Care Letters

We are proud to support transgender and non-binary individuals by offering letters of support for gender-affirming surgeries and treatments. Our process is affirming, respectful, and grounded in the belief that you are the expert on your identity. We follow WPATH-aligned best practices and strive to make this process as smooth as possible.

Let’s Start Here

Starting therapy—or even just browsing therapist websites—can be overwhelming. We want to make it easier.

If something about our approach resonates with you, we’d love to talk. You can reach out for a free consultation or explore more about our team and services right here on the site.

You don’t have to wait for things to get worse. You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Let’s head upstream, together.

Warmly,

Kirsten Christensen, Ph.D.

Clinical Director & Founder

Upstream Mental Health