Profile image of David  Kesselman
Vetted

David Kesselman(He/Him/His)

(He/Him/His)
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, LICSW
Massachusetts
Anxiety - Stress management-Phobias & fears-Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)-Chronic illness-

Many health insurance plans reimburse 50-80% of session fees with out-of-network therapists. Learn if your plan qualifies.

AboutSpecialtiesLocationsInsurance & Fees

Professional statement

Living with ever present psychological stress or physical discomfort is difficult, fatiguing and disruptive. Attempting to suppress or avoid these feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations may seem effective, but over time they contribute to our worry, panic, feeling overwhelmed, avoidance, having poor concentration or irritability. They also affect us through muscle tension, stomach complaints, headaches, sleep problems or fatigue. If this sounds familiar to you, please contact us and schedule a free 15 minute consultation.

Dr. Kesselman is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with a private practice in Westborough, MA. He welcomes adolescents (ages 18+) and adults who are seeking strategies to better address physical symptoms, emotional distress, and unhelpful or unhealthy thinking styles associated with anxiety or stress reactions. Many of our clients have experienced chronic illness/pain, traumatic events, challenging work or family circumstances or high pressure academic/ athletic performance, as well as other major life changes. Dr. Kesselman has a particular interest in working with clients who have medical diagnoses such as headaches, jaw pain, hypertension, Raynaud’s disease, tinnitus, IBS and chronic pain. Dr. Kesselman offers practical, interactive and research-validated treatment for anxiety and stress focusing both on the mind and body. This may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Biofeedback, and the use of Virtual Reality.

Dr. Kesselman has held senior clinical and leadership positions at Lifestance Health and UMASS/Health Alliance Hospital. He held the faculty rank of Instructor at UMASS Medical School where he worked collaboratively with the medical team, while training medical students, residents and behavioral health trainees on behavioral health topics. Dr. Kesselman provided expertise on psychological factors and treatment approaches associated with medical diagnoses. He received his Doctorate in Social Work from University of Tennessee/ Knoxville and Masters in Social Work from Boston College.


Message to clients

For over 20 years I have helped clients become more resilient and psychologically flexible. I focus on how stress impacts both our thinking and physical being. Our goal is to help strengthen clients' emotional self regulation and lessen physical discomfort, while promoting creative and healthy thinking. These strategies may allow for a more enjoyable, comfortable and relaxed life.

I offer a practical and scientifically validated approach to treatment. In addition to Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), I often introduce innovative technologies, such as biofeedback and virtual reality to make the therapy more interactive and engaging. This provides us the opportunity to consider the the impact of thought, environmental stressors, lifestyle, coping responses, and their interplay with your physiology. Clients enjoy this experience and report feeling better in a shorter time and with sustained outcomes. Innovative ways to help clients are constantly being evaluated.

.


Work and Education

Years of Experience: 22 years

Lifestance Health, Clinical Director and Provider
UMASS Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Fitchburg Family Practice Residency Training Program, Behavioral Health Provider
UMASS Medical School , Instructor
Psychological Care Associates, Behavioral Health Provider
Milford-Franklin Counselling Service, Behavioral Health Provider
Germaine Lawrence Residential Treatment, Director of Treatment
Justice Resource Institute, Clinical Director
Brandon Residential Treatment, Clinical Supervisor/Senior Clinician
Children’s Charter, Trauma Therapist/Evaluator
Boston Children’s Hospital, Intern
Whitman Counselling, Intern

University of Tennessee, Doctorate of Social Work, 2018
The Cleveland Center for Cognitive Therapy, One-year Postgraduate Training in Cognitive Therapy, 2013
Boston College, Master of Social Work, 2002
Union College, B.S., Psychology, 1997

Licensure

Massachusetts: 113363

Languages

English

Specialties

Anxiety - Coping with excessive worry, nervousness, or stress; intense discomfort in social settings (social anxiety); sudden and intense feelings of panic (panic disorder)

Stress management - Strengthening effective ways of coping with the stress of life and change; managing expectations of self and others

Phobias & fears - Providing techniques and support to overcome intense fear, anxiety, and panic related to specific triggers, such as heights or crowded spaces

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Healing painful experiences and memories from the past

Chronic illness - Receiving a diagnosis; adjusting to lifestyle and medication changes; coping with related changes in mood, emotions, and relationships; managing symptoms and stress




Clientele

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

Locations & Hours

Accepting new clients. Offering practical and interactive treatment for anxiety, stress, chronic pain and health conditions. Contact me for a free consultation.


Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA HMO
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA PPO
  • Harvard Pilgrim
  • Oscar Health
  • Oxford Health Plans
  • Tufts Health Plan (Commercial Plans, not via Mass Health or Navigator)
  • United Healthcare

Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions:$200 (50min)
  • Initial session:$200 (50min)

Additional session information

Out-of-network billing options

This provider can support you in getting reimbursement from your insurance company if you are seeking out-of-network reimbursement. Here are the out-of-network billing options they provide:

  • Super billing
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
  • Every other month
  • As needed
Therapist's note

The practice accepts the following in-network insurance panels: Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Point 32 Healthcare (Harvard Pilgrim), United Healthcare, Aetna, Oxford, and Oscar Health.

We also accept out-of-network insurance. You may be able to receive significant reimbursement using out-of-network benefits. I have partnered with a company that will assist us in submitting out-of-network insurance claims and would be happy to check your out-of-network benefits upon request.


Book a Free Initial Consultation

The practice will call you for a free 10min phone call to discuss your needs and ensure a match!

This provider has no upcoming call times available.