Priya Tikku, LMHC, LADC-1
Licensed Mental Health Counselor & Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor-1
Limited New Client Availability
Adults | Older adults
Introduction
I'm Priya Tikku, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (LADC-1) at Essential Insights Counseling Center. I work with adults and older adults who may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or ready for something in their lives to change. My style is warm, supportive, and practical, with space to understand what you're going through while also helping you identify realistic steps toward feeling better and moving forward.
What I Can Help With
I work with clients facing a wide range of challenges. Some of the concerns I work with most often include:
Anxiety and stress
Substance use and recovery
Life transitions and adjustments
Depression and low mood
Relationships and family issues
Grief and loss
Life meaning and purpose
My Therapy Style
My therapy style is warm, collaborative, and focused on meeting you where you are. I believe meaningful change is more likely when you feel understood rather than judged or pressured, so we'll start with what's important to you and move at a pace that feels manageable.
Together, we'll look at what's contributing to how you're feeling or keeping you stuck while also paying attention to what's already working and the strengths you can build on. I'll offer support, ask questions, and help you consider new perspectives as we work toward changes that could make a meaningful difference in your everyday life.
If you're working on your relationship with substances or navigating recovery, I'll meet you with curiosity and respect rather than judgment. We can talk openly about the role substances have played in your life, what you want to be different, and what a life that feels healthier and more fulfilling might look like for you.
Above all, I want our work to help you feel more confident in your ability to navigate challenges and make choices that reflect what matters to you. You don't have to change everything at once. We'll work together toward changes that feel realistic, meaningful, and sustainable.
“Healing takes time, and asking for help is a courageous step.”
―Mariska Hargitay
Therapy Approaches I Use
I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches and tailor our work to your needs, goals, and what feels most helpful to you.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) — Helps you recognize unhelpful thought and behavior patterns and develop more effective ways of responding.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — Helps you make room for difficult thoughts and feelings while taking steps toward what matters most to you.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) — Focuses on your strengths, what's already working, and practical steps toward the changes you want to make.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) — Helps you explore mixed feelings about change and strengthen your own motivation and confidence for moving forward.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) — Builds practical skills for managing emotions, handling stress, improving relationships, and responding more intentionally.
Attachment-Based Therapy — Explores how early relationships and experiences may influence the way you connect with others, respond to emotions, and experience relationships today.
Positive Psychology — Builds on your strengths, values, relationships, and sources of meaning to support greater well-being and fulfillment.
Communities I Serve
These are some of the communities I have experience supporting, but you don’t need to identify with one of them to work with me. I welcome clients from a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences.
Adults in midlife — Support for changing roles, relationships, responsibilities, and questions about what you want the next chapter of life to look like.
Older adults navigating retirement and aging transitions — Support as changes in routine, identity, relationships, health, independence, or purpose bring new challenges and questions.
Parents and guardians — Support with stress, competing demands, relationship challenges, and the emotional weight that can come with caring for a family.
People in recovery from substance use or addiction — Nonjudgmental support as you explore your relationship with substances, strengthen motivation for change, navigate recovery, and build a life that supports what matters to you.
Education & Training
Masters of Arts (MA) in Counseling Psychology, Lesley University (1995)
Certificate in Addictions Counseling, Middlesex Community College (2022)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Massachusetts (License #10000694)
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (LADC-1) in Massachusetts (License #22260)
Specialized clinical experience in substance use and addiction recovery
A Bit About Me
One of the things I value most about being a therapist is seeing people begin to recognize their own strengths and feel more confident in their ability to make changes. It's meaningful to be part of the process as someone feels more understood, less alone, and more hopeful about what comes next.
Outside of therapy, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, exploring new places and cultures, and learning from different perspectives. Staying connected to the people in my life and remaining curious about the world around me help me feel grounded and open to new experiences.
Rates & Scheduling
Insurances accepted: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield/Anthem, Harvard Pilgrim Health Plan, Mass General Brigham Health Plan (HMO and PPO plans only), Medicare and most Medicare Advantage plans, Optum, and United Healthcare. Please visit our Insurance & Rates page for more information.
Rates: $205 per intake session; $170 per 55-minute therapy session
Schedule: Priya offers in-person and telehealth sessions Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Evening appointments are offered each of those days.
Getting Started
IIf you're feeling overwhelmed, navigating a change, or ready to move forward from a pattern that's no longer working for you, I may be a good fit for you. You can begin with a free 15-minute phone consultation with our intake coordinator, Jennifer, through our online scheduler. During that call, she’ll learn a little about what’s bringing you to therapy, answer your questions, and help determine whether I—or another therapist on our team—is the right fit.