geometry-shapes iconCoping Skills, Self Esteem, Women’s Issues, Addiction, Life Transition, Relationships, Anxiety, Depression, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Alcohol Use
Online in Massachusetts
5 years in practice
Ages served: 18-64
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Accepted insurance & self-pay

Ashleigh accepts 27 insurers
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Anthem
Cigna | Evernorth
Cigna | Evernorth - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)
Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)
Carelon
Carelon | Medicare Advantage
Compsych
Fallon Health | Medicare Advantage
Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network
First Health Network
JP Farley Corporation
Mass General Brigham (Optum)
Multi Plan PHCS
Optum Serve
Oscar Health
Poppins Health
Quest Behavioral Health
Tricare East | Out of Network Provider
Tufts Health Plan
Tufts Health Plan Medicare Advantage
UMR
United Healthcare | Optum
United Healthcare | Optum - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
United Healthcare | Optum Medicare Advantage
Uprise EAP
SELF-PAY COSTS
Out-of-pocket session costs for clients who don’t have insurance or aren’t covered by their insurance for mental health services.
$200
first session
$170
subsequent sessions
About Provider

About Ashleigh

I am a licensed social worker with 5 years of experience supporting clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. I specialize in helping individuals facing depression, anxiety, work stress, and addiction. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore challenges, build resilience, and foster growth. My goal is to empower clients to manage stress, improve relationships, and overcome patterns of self-doubt so they feel more balanced, confident, and connected in their daily lives.


I have a master’s in social work from Our Lady of the Lake University. I integrate evidence-based practices such as dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. I tailor therapy to meet each client’s needs, ensuring that every person feels understood, supported, and empowered in their healing journey.


I believe everyone deserves a safe place to feel heard and supported. Life’s challenges can be heavy, but you don’t have to face them alone. Through warmth, compassion, and care, I help clients find healing, balance, and hope while working together at a pace that feels right for them.

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Ashleigh  Cantu's profile image

"I am a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW). "

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Get to know Ashleigh

Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?

Clients should know that I have lived experience with my own mental health recovery. Through my journey toward peace, I discovered a deep commitment to helping others on theirs. I understand what it feels like to be in the dark, and it is truly an honor to walk alongside individuals as they find their way back into the light. My experiences have shaped the way I practice, allowing me to bring empathy, understanding, and hope into the therapeutic space.

What types of clients do you work with best?

I work best with clients who are ready to explore their stories in a safe, supportive space.

What type of clients are you most excited to work with?


I am most excited to work with clients who are open to self-discovery and growth, even if they feel unsure about where to start.

What's one thing you wish all clients knew?


One thing I wish all clients knew is that it is possible to feel better. When you’re in the middle of pain, stress, or overwhelming emotions, it can feel like nothing will ever change. But with support, patience, and consistent effort, healing and growth really are possible.

Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?

I chose to practice at Thriveworks because of its clinician-centered environment, which really allows us to prioritize our clients. When therapists feel supported and valued, we’re able to show up fully for the people we serve.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by the many people I meet who demonstrate resiliency in the face of struggle. Witnessing someone’s ability to keep moving forward, even when life feels overwhelming, is both humbling and motivating. It reminds me daily of the strength people carry within them and reinforces why I do this work, because healing and growth are always possible, even in the most difficult circumstances

What can clients expect in their first session with you?

During our first session, I will guide us through an intake, which means I’ll ask a few more questions than in a typical session. This helps me better understand your background, needs, and goals for therapy. You’ll also have plenty of space to share about yourself and ask any questions you may have about the process. My goal is to make sure you feel comfortable, heard, and informed as we begin our work together.

What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?

The most important part of our first session is getting to know one another and beginning to build a therapeutic relationship rooted in trust. While we may discuss your goals and what brought you to therapy, my main priority is creating a safe and supportive space where you feel comfortable sharing openly.

What should clients know about you before scheduling a first session?

Clients should know that I bring both professional training and personal lived experience to my work. I have walked my own path of mental health recovery, and through that journey I developed a deep commitment to supporting others as they navigate theirs. I understand how heavy it can feel to be in the dark, and I consider it an honor to accompany clients as they find their way back into the light. This perspective allows me to approach therapy with genuine empathy, compassion, and hope, while also creating a safe space where trust and healing can grow.

What do you do for fun/on your time off?

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, watching movies and documentaries, and lifting weights.

What's one thing about you that defines you (non-professional)?

Something that has defined me throughout my entire life is my commitment to doing the right thing. I am strongly guided by an internal moral code, and I believe in being a person of integrity: someone who shows up with honesty, consistency, and respect for others. This value shapes not only how I live my personal life, but also how I connect with and support the people around me.

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Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesCoping Skills, Self Esteem, Women’s Issues, Addiction, Life Transition, Relationships, Anxiety, Depression, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Alcohol Use, Substance Use, Racial Identity, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Parenting
ApproachesHumanistic / Rogerian, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBCT), Person-Centered Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Culturally Sensitive, Integrative, Multicultural
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Education and training

Years in practice
5 years
Graduating institute
Our Lady of the Lake University
Graduating degree
Master of Social Work
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Additional details

Languages spoken by this provider
English
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NPI number1598453227
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State of practiceMA
Practice location

Practice information

Book your first session

Individual Counseling
Ashleigh is available for Video visits.
Want help booking? 
Existing client? and rebook
Ashleigh Cantu's profile image

Ashleigh Cantu

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)she/her