Compassionate, Culturally Responsive, Holistic, and Affirming Therapy

A supportive, judgment-free space providing personalized psychotherapy for individuals, couples, and families. Available in-person in Arlington, MA and virtually statewide.

Schedule Session Request Consultation

Welcoming Healing Through Insight & Connection

At Al-Kindi Counseling Services, Inc., we believe mental wellness is achieved when all aspects of human experience are in harmony. Inspired by the legacy of Al-Kindi—a pioneering philosopher and physician of the 9th century—our approach honors the interplay of reason, spirituality, and culture in your healing journey.

The HIKMA (Wisdom) Method

We integrate four core domains of wellness: Spiritual, Social, Psychological, and Physical. Our evidence-based care combines psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and trauma-informed tools tailored to your individual story.

Why Work With Us?

  • Team-Based Care: Supervised clinical residents & licensed clinicians working collaboratively.
  • Culturally Responsive: Honoring diverse cultural backgrounds, LGBTQ+ identities, and life transitions.
  • Flexible Options: In-person therapy in Arlington or secure telehealth appointments.
  • Accessible: In-network with major health insurance providers.

Clinical Specialties & Services

Individual Psychotherapy

Evidence-based support for anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, coping skills, and ADHD in a confidential, empathetic setting.

Schedule Session Request Consultation

Couples & Relationship Care

Fostering communication, emotional connection, and trust using Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused therapy techniques.

Schedule Session Request Consultation

Consultation & Training

Clinical consultation, program planning, and team-building for organizations, clinical teams, and mental health professionals.

Schedule Session Request Consultation

Music-Guided Mindfulness Group

A group experience blending music and mindfulness practice to support emotional regulation, presence, and connection.

Schedule Session Request Consultation

Meet Our Team

Our clinicians and clinical residents bring diverse training and lived experience to a shared, collaborative approach to care.

Basel Zayed, LMHC

Basel Zayed, LMHC

Founder & Clinical Director

Psychotherapist since 2012 with local and international experience. Professor of mental health counseling at Lesley University and researcher at Curry College's Brain and Behavior Laboratory, leading a research lab exploring the intersections of music, identity, and mental health.

View Full Profile → Francesca Vitale, LICSW

Francesca Vitale, LICSW

Director of Clinical Supervision

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker using a strength-based, person-centered, and collaborative approach, with attention to physical activity, nature, nutrition, sleep, and mindfulness.

View Full Profile → Teresa Dias, LMHC, LPC, RPT

Teresa Dias, LMHC, LPC, RPT

Director of Clinical Training

Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Registered Play Therapist using play, art, sandtray, and mindfulness to support teens and adults with anxiety, depression, and trauma.

View Full Profile → Natasha Kewene-Hite

Natasha Kewene-Hite

Counselor

Uses trauma-informed, narrative, and somatic therapies, emphasizing the mind-body-spirit connection within an anti-oppression framework.

View Full Profile → Lakshmi Haferman

Lakshmi Haferman

Counselor

Person-centered and deeply relational, grounded in liberation psychology, addressing systemic oppression and collective healing.

View Full Profile →

In-Network Insurance Plans We Accept in Massachusetts

Al-Kindi Counseling Services, Inc. is in-network with the major Massachusetts health insurance plans below, so sessions can be billed directly to your insurance with little to no out-of-pocket cost, depending on your specific benefits.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA
Aetna Health Insurance
Aetna
Cigna Healthcare
Cigna
Mass General Brigham Health Plan
MassGeneral Brigham Health Plan
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare
Optum
Optum
Don't See Your Plan?

We also offer private-pay (self-pay) options and can provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement. Contact us to verify your specific benefits before your first session.

Insurance & Coverage FAQ

Does Al-Kindi Counseling Services accept my insurance?

Al-Kindi Counseling Services, Inc. is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Aetna, Cigna, MassGeneral Brigham Health Plan, Optum, and UnitedHealthcare. If your plan isn't listed, we offer private-pay rates and superbills for out-of-network reimbursement.

How much will therapy cost with my insurance?

Your cost depends on your plan's copay, deductible, and coinsurance. We recommend calling the member services number on your insurance card to verify your specific outpatient mental health benefits before your first appointment.

Do you offer virtual or telehealth sessions covered by insurance?

Yes. Most of our in-network plans cover secure telehealth sessions the same as in-person visits for clients located anywhere in Massachusetts.

Client Forms & Communication

Click below to open our secure forms — no need to leave the site.

Clinical Intake Form

New and returning clients can complete their comprehensive clinical intake documentation prior to their scheduled session.

Open Intake Form

Contact & Consultation

Have questions about services, insurance coverage, or availability? Submit a direct inquiry or consultation request here.

Open Consultation Form