Nisha  Sundararaj

Nisha Sundararaj

She/Her/Hers

Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
Rhode Island Accepting Online
Providence, Frenchtown Not Accepting In-person
Updated February 10, 2023

Specialties & Expertise

  • College & graduate student mental health
  • Pregnancy, perinatal, postpartum mental health
  • Trauma
  • Cultural adjustment
  • Relationship issues
  • Women's issues

Professional statement

Hi, my name is Nisha Sundararaj, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor located in Rhode Island. I enjoy working with students and young adults who are navigating life transitions. I have experience working with students of all backgrounds, identities, and mental health goals. Many of my clients struggle with stress, burnout, relationship conflicts, confusion about life goals, and other common issues. I have worked with many international students who seek support as they get used to living in the United States, especially in high pressure environments like higher education. I am passionate about working with women who are starting to think about getting pregnant. I also have experience supporting clients pre and postnatal as they adjust to motherhood.

My approach to therapy is relational, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed, making sure all sessions feel safe and secure to my clients, especially those with trauma backgrounds. I build strong trust with my clients and never push them to disclose information they aren’t comfortable sharing. I utilize a therapy modality called Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy. Through this therapy, clients learn how to identify irrational beliefs. Mixing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), clients also learn how to identify negative thought patterns that lead to distress. I bring warmth and compassion to my sessions. As an immigrant and previous international student myself, I provide clients with the opportunity to ask questions about the logistics and technicalities of therapy so there’s no discomfort with the process.

I became a therapist after earning degrees in computer science and business. I know firsthand the stress that comes with identity shifts during self-growth. I strive to provide clients with a space to talk openly about their struggles, and offer an empathetic ear as I teach useful coping skills.


Message to clients

Hi! Thank you for looking into my profile and taking the steps to prioritize your mental health. Finding a therapist can be a challenging and overwhelming process. There may be times in one’s life when we experience emotional difficulties and need professional guidance to work through these issues. The focus of my sessions is to be approachable and to meet the needs of my clients. I am here to support you in your choices and live an authentic life. If you are interested in working with me, let’s schedule a brief consultation and discuss your next steps.

No matter what your circumstances are, if you can imagine something better for yourself, you can create it - Unknown

Motherhood changes a lot. It is important to have a village. Not only for the child, but a mom needs a village too - Unknown


Specialties

College & graduate student mental health - Specialized strategies for common issues of young adulthood, including school and career stressors, support around healthy relationships, existential concerns, drug or alcohol issues, eating disorders, and anxiety and/or depression.

Pregnancy, perinatal, postpartum mental health - Addressing issues specific to women and families during the pregnancy and postpartum period, including postpartum depression and anxiety

Trauma - Coping and healing after threatening or scary events, such as witnessing accidents or experiencing sexual, verbal, emotional, or physical abuse

Cultural adjustment - Acclimating to a new environment; managing stress and coping with feelings of loss and separation from familiar people and places

Relationship issues - Understanding one’s wants and needs in relationships; exploring patterns of interaction, addressing concerns, and strengthening satisfaction in relationships and dating

Women's issues - Therapy tailored to common concerns among women; providing a safe and understanding space to address life challenges, stressors, and questions around identity as a woman




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Parents
  • Young adults (18-24)

Insurance

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Brown University Student Health Insurance (United Healthcare)
  • RISD Student Health Insurance (United Healthcare)
  • United Healthcare
  • United Healthcare Student Health Plan

Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions: $175 (53min)
  • Sliding scale: $125 - $175
  • Initial session: $200 (53min)

Additional session information

Payment options
  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card
Session frequency

Frequency of sessions this provider offers to see clients once you are an established client.

  • Weekly
  • Monthly
  • Every other week
  • As needed
Therapist's note

Nisha can assist in completing paperwork for clients to be directly reimbursed by their insurance for an out-of-network provider.


Location(s)

Online Sessions (Rhode Island)
Accepting new clients online
Currently Available Times
  • Morning (Before 10am)
  • Daytime (10am - 1pm)
  • Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
  • Evening (After 5pm)
  • Weekends
Regular Hours
  • Mon Please inquire about hours
  • Tue Please inquire about hours
  • Wed Please inquire about hours
  • Thu Please inquire about hours
  • Fri Please inquire about hours
  • Sat Please inquire about hours
  • Sun Please inquire about hours

Providence practice
1 Richmond square, Suite 333W, Providence, Rhode Island 02906
Not accepting new clients in-person
Currently Available Times
  • Morning (Before 10am)
  • Daytime (10am - 1pm)
  • Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
  • Evening (After 5pm)
  • Weekends
Regular Hours
  • Mon Please inquire about hours
  • Tue Please inquire about hours
  • Wed Please inquire about hours
  • Thu Please inquire about hours
  • Fri Please inquire about hours
  • Sat Please inquire about hours
  • Sun Please inquire about hours

Frenchtown practice
2843 South County Trail, , Suite 117, East Greenwich , Rhode Island 02817
Not accepting new clients in-person
Currently Available Times
  • Morning (Before 10am)
  • Daytime (10am - 1pm)
  • Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
  • Evening (After 5pm)
  • Weekends
Regular Hours
  • Mon Please inquire about hours
  • Tue Please inquire about hours
  • Wed Please inquire about hours
  • Thu Please inquire about hours
  • Fri Please inquire about hours
  • Sat Please inquire about hours
  • Sun Please inquire about hours

Work and Education

Years of Experience: 14 years

RISD, Crisis Counselor & Case Manager, 2020 - Present
Women's Resource Center, Counselor, 2023 - Present
CCRI, Counselor , 2015 - 2020
Community care alliance , Clinician , 2009 - 2015
Domestic Violence Center of Chester County, Therapist , 2008 - 2009

Immaculata University, Masters in Counseling, 2009
Madras University, MBA, 2006
Madras University , Bachelors in Computer Science, 2003


Licensure

Rhode Island: MHC00784


Languages

English

Hindi

Tamil


Client testimonials

"I found Nisha on zen care and have met her for three sessions so far. She is warm, open, and easy to talk to. I have already gained actionable insight from our conversations."
- Zencare client • February 2023