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686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting loneliness counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 35 therapists in Massachusetts available for an online or in-person session.

Starting Loneliness counseling

What is Loneliness counseling?

Loneliness counseling is a specialized form of therapy focused on helping individuals navigate the emotional challenges and isolation associated with persistent loneliness. Counselors and therapists at Thriveworks in Boston, MA create a supportive and understanding environment where clients can delve into the root causes of their loneliness and develop strategies to establish meaningful social connections.

How does Loneliness counseling work?

Loneliness counseling employs a multifaceted approach, utilizing Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to reframe your negative thought patterns, enhance communication, and improve social skills. It also incorporates interpersonal therapy to address relationship patterns, and mindfulness practices to manage feelings of loneliness and self-criticism. Goal-setting is also encouraged to help you actively pursue social connections and community engagement. Through these techniques, loneliness therapy empowers individuals to overcome isolation, develop meaningful relationships, and enhance their overall emotional well-being.

Is Loneliness counseling conducted in person or online?

Thriveworks loneliness counseling in Boston, MA is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does Loneliness counseling last?

Loneliness counseling can take different amounts of time. It depends on how lonely a person is and how they're doing in counseling. Normally, it involves many sessions that last from a few weeks to a few months. The exact number of sessions and how long it takes are determined with the loneliness counselor's input.

Need more help deciding?

A hundred years ago, people raised their children in the communities where they were born. The friends they made in grammar school supported them through the trials of adulthood. Often, multiple generations resided under one roof. Today, traveling for educational and professional opportunities is the norm. People are expected to leave their hometown. Yes, there is FaceTime and Facebook. There is Google Chat and Snapchat. Even though grandchildren in Oregon can video conference their grandpa in Florida with the push of a button, people are experiencing epidemic levels of isolation and loneliness. In fact, much research suggests that the social media seems like community may actually be a contributor to people’s sense of isolation.

The reality is that being with people (either electronically or physically) is very different than connecting with people. People say it all the time, “I was surrounded by people but still felt lonely.” The same can be true of being online. People can update their status with a picture of their gourmet meal, but are they updating their loved ones on their doubts and their dreams? Shared lives and vulnerable connections are the corner stones of community, and often, they are missing when people feel isolated.

“The most terrible poverty is loneliness,
and the feeling of being unloved.” —Mother Teresa

When people do not have shared lives, they often feel lonely and unloved, and these feelings are a big social challenge. Despite the difficulties of modern society, many people are fighting to build community and connection. They are taking risks, putting down their phones, and having face-to-face conversations. Many are also working with a mental health professional to learn the social skills they were never taught. In the process, they are experiencing more community and less loneliness. The counselors, therapists, and coaches at Thriveworks Boston see it all the time—people who are lonely, but learning to form meaningful connections with their friends and family.

A Few Tips for Building a Community and Connecting

In many ways, building community is much like building muscle. Some people have more social skills than others, just like some people are more naturally athletic than others. However, everyone can improve. It does not matter whether people see themselves as skilled at making connections or terrible at it. Social skills are just that—skills, and any skill can be improved. Here are a few tips for building a better community:

1. Cut back on use of electronics ( and instead, live your life).

What are a few of the best TV shows of all time? Grey’s Anatomy, Parks and Rec, Lost, ER, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Frasier, Modern Family, Seinfeld, Friends, Scrubs, Cheers, Gilmore Girls, The Big Bang Theory, Sex and the City…to name a few. There is a common theme in these shows despite their diverse characters, settings, and plots, and that is community. These shows depict families who care about each other, and friends who are committed to each other through thick and thin. They depict the community so many people desire for their own lives.

Unfortunately, many people do not experience that level of community. But people have another option: instead of watching a TV show about friends who meet up at the bar, go meet a friend at a bar. Instead of watching a show about friends who support each other through relational struggles, start opening up to your friends about your relational struggles. In all fairness, community is easier scripted than lived, and that is another disadvantage of watching TV. These shows set an unrealistic expectation for connection. Instead, live in the real world with your real friends and real family. Most people never regret turning the TV off and calling a loved one instead.

2. Redefine Community (in any way you want).

Communities do not look like they used to look a century ago, and there are disadvantages and opportunities within that cultural shift. People can still find ways to connect. They may have to put more effort toward building their community, but modern communities can be anything and anywhere people want them to be.

What is your ideal community? How do you feel connected and known? For some, that may be through joining a book club or playing on a soccer team. For others, it might mean foregoing opportunities to travel in favor of living in the same town where they were raised. When you imagine your ideal community, pursue it. Make choices that align with that ideal. People can define their community to be anything, but they can also find their community anywhere. Small towns with unique rituals and rhythms can provide community. Cities that never sleep can provide community. Even online communities are beneficial when used well. Know yourself and let yourself be know wherever you may be.

Coaching at Thriveworks Boston—Overcoming Loneliness

Are you struggling to connect with friends and family? Building community can feel like an impossible task in this fragmented, modern society, but many people have found a way. Many people are also reaching out for help and guidance along the way, working with counselors and coaches.

If you are ready to experience more connection and work with a mental health professional to learn how, know that Thriveworks Boston has appointments available for overcoming loneliness. When you contact our office, a real person will answer—not a voicemail or an automated response. Our scheduling specialists will help you find a convenient appointment—often within 24 hours of your call and possibly in the evening or on a weekend (if that’s what’s convenient for you). We also accept most insurance plans.

Let’s get started. Contact Thriveworks Boston today.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Boston therapists and counselors accept 26 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • Fallon Health

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

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Self-pay costs at Boston
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.7 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
For the past year my mental, emotional and physical health has been restored. By God's providence, I connected with a psychiatric nurse practitioner at your agency. She skillfully assessed my situation and quickly prescribed much needed medication. I was at an all time low. Because of her expertise, compassion, and support, my life was renewed. So incredibly grateful to have my life back again.
Read more For the past year my mental, emotional and physical health has been restored. By God's providence, I connected with a psychiatric nurse practitioner at your agency. She skillfully assessed my situation and quickly prescribed much needed medication. I was at an all time low. Because of her expertise, compassion, and support, my life was renewed. So incredibly grateful to have my life back again.
Lillian Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have had a wonderful experience using Thriveworks. The website is easy to use and getting into the Zoom meeting is seamless
Read more I have had a wonderful experience using Thriveworks. The website is easy to use and getting into the Zoom meeting is seamless
Erynn Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★☆☆
It was very difficult getting my account up. I believe that happens because when we initially signed up i made the account but it’s under my spouse insurance. After fixing the problem my not his account reflects our current therapy sessions. We get emails and text but when we sign into the thrivework accounts we can’t see the billing cycle to pay or see out upcoming session. Neither one of our accounts display update and current account information. And we have called a few times to get it right and it’s not working . My therapist and agency is splendid
Read more It was very difficult getting my account up. I believe that happens because when we initially signed up i made the account but it’s under my spouse insurance. After fixing the problem my not his account reflects our current therapy sessions. We get emails and text but when we sign into the thrivework accounts we can’t see the billing cycle to pay or see out upcoming session. Neither one of our accounts display update and current account information. And we have called a few times to get it right and it’s not working . My therapist and agency is splendid
Isoke Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My limited time speaking with Marissa has been very help full. She has been very attentive to my needs.
Read more My limited time speaking with Marissa has been very help full. She has been very attentive to my needs.
Gary Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I had the pleasure of working with Francesca about a year ago. Francesca is a versatile, and imaginative clinician. She takes an individual approach to every client and their situation. Her commitment to your growth and healing is of paramount importance to her. You'll be in great hands with her!
Read more I had the pleasure of working with Francesca about a year ago. Francesca is a versatile, and imaginative clinician. She takes an individual approach to every client and their situation. Her commitment to your growth and healing is of paramount importance to her. You'll be in great hands with her!
Boston Jan 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
As a former colleague of Francesca Bjork's, when we worked together as educators of young children, I can highly recommend her as an insightful, caring, and knowledgeable counselor. She always seems able to pinpoint the crux of a matter, and help her clients (and coworkers) find the best path. In more than a few instances, when I was faced with a difficult situation, she was always willing to help in any way she could, whether as an ear to listen, an advocate, or a problem-solver. I am glad that she has found a base at Thriveworks, and is able to use her talent to help others.
Read more As a former colleague of Francesca Bjork's, when we worked together as educators of young children, I can highly recommend her as an insightful, caring, and knowledgeable counselor. She always seems able to pinpoint the crux of a matter, and help her clients (and coworkers) find the best path. In more than a few instances, when I was faced with a difficult situation, she was always willing to help in any way she could, whether as an ear to listen, an advocate, or a problem-solver. I am glad that she has found a base at Thriveworks, and is able to use her talent to help others.
Boston Nov 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Boston is located at the corner of Emerson Place and Blossom Street, inside the Emerson Place Apartments building. We are located on the opposite side of Route 3 from the Charles River and Lederman Park. Across the street, on the opposite side of Blossom Street, you will find the Mass General Hospital complex.

Phone number

(617) 397-3951

Languages spoken by MA providers

  • Urdu
  • English
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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