Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Amherst, MA

"Talking has a curative quality. It allows us to gain access to thoughts and feelings we could have been previously unaware of."

Meridith Nicholaev is a dedicated Mental Health Counselor seeking her licensure. She has 2 years of experience working with clients of diverse backgrounds and diagnoses at inpatient units and community-based programs. Her passion is to provide therapeutic care to adults seeking relief from anxiety, addiction, adjustment disorders, stress, and communication challenges. She believes building trust and rapport must be the cornerstone of any good therapeutic relationship to foster a supportive and safe environment. Anything can be said freely and without judgment and be met with warmth and empathy.

Meridith is a graduate of the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis with a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling. Believing that every person is unique and has individual needs, Meridith incorporates a psychodynamic method, utilizing motivational interviewing with a humanistic, person-centered approach.

People deserve to feel seen and heard, and it's a privilege to be the one who listens and bears witness. It takes courage to seek treatment. If you are ready to take the next step, schedule an appointment with Meridith today.

Ashley Kitchen-Sweet is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 8 years of specialized experience in guiding adults through depression, anxiety, and pivotal life transitions. Her journey with clients begins with a foundation of empathy and commitment, creating a welcoming and transformative environment from the outset. Ashley is adept at adapting her approach to cater to the needs and strengths of her clients, always with an eye toward cultural sensitivity and personal preferences. Her therapy is not just about addressing challenges; it's about crafting a tailored path that aligns with each client's values and life goals.

Ashley has a bachelor’s in Sociology from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. She uses an array of techniques, including collaborative, strengths-based, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness-based, and solutions-focused strategies, ensuring that therapy resonates with each client.

Ashley is committed to working collaboratively with clients to set and achieve goals, empowering them to build a fulfilling life. This commitment to building a meaningful therapist-client relationship is central to her approach, recognizing that a trusted partnership can significantly enhance the therapeutic experience and outcomes.

"Starting therapy is a courageous first step to making changes and feeling empowered."

Samantha is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with 6 years of experience in the mental health field. Her clinical experience has focused on helping adults 18+ to work through their fears and develop attainable goals. Her experience treating patients in community health centers, schools, and in-patient facilities has assisted in developing her understanding of how to help her clients work through milestone events. Samantha specializes in anxiety, depression, and substance use, as well as anger and stress management.

Samantha completed her Master of Social Work at Boston University School of Social Work. Samantha incorporates a variety of modalities including CBT, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based interventions for adults over the age of 18.

Changing perspective is what helps shift roadblocks into challenges that can be overcome. Schedule a session with Samantha to begin understanding your needs and how to create change in a meaningful and lasting way.

"As an experienced therapist, I am passionate about helping people and focusing on achieving their goals, and I am excited to learn how I can best support you."

John Cleary is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 12 years of experience. He specializes in working with teens, adults, and seniors who have a range of concerns, including chronic illness, depression, anxiety, ADHD, stress, behavioral problems, and anger.

John earned a Master’s in Social Work from West Virginia University. He uses a variety of clinical approaches targeted to specific needs and challenges, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing.

John understands how important it is to find someone you can trust with your goals, and he would love to hear your story and explore how he can best help you. Reach out today to schedule an appointment with John!

"I offer mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to deepen self-awareness as a means of healing. "

Ben Kamens is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Resident with 4 years of experience who specializes in treating anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, trauma, and grief. Ben consistently provides compassionate, insightful, holistic treatment to families and adults, and strives to help individuals lead their best lives. His ideal client is eager to learn and grow and is open to the therapeutic process and exploring new ways of being. Ben provides a warm and welcoming space and recognizes the courage it takes to seek treatment and the commitment necessary to grow from it.

Ben received his Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern New Hampshire University and also holds a Master’s in East-West Psychology. He integrates meditation guidance and self-awareness techniques with evidence-based therapeutic approaches to help clients grow in interpersonal efficacies, confidence, and self-determined goals.

The modern world can be overwhelming and alienating. Ben's approach aims to facilitate inner peace, psychological healing, and increased well-being in all he is fortunate to support. Don't let your challenges overwhelm you – there is a way forward!

"As an African American male, I understand the unique challenges associated with engaging with a mental health professional. Through building trust in a safe environment, I will work to assist you to learn more about your strengths and how to use them to manage concerns in your life. "

Martin F. Hill, Sr., PhD, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who has over 25 years of clinical experience and 15 years of teaching experience at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Dr. Hill is experienced in addressing multicultural and LGBTQIA+ issues. He is flexible, encouraging, optimistic, and focused on improving overall wellbeing of each client.

Dr. Hill completed his Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology at Indiana University-Bloomington. He completed both his Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling and his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counseling Psychology at Michigan State University. Dr. Hill is a native of Detroit, MI. 

Dr. Hill is very engaging with clients in establishing a strong therapeutic relationship. He uses cognitive behavioral techniques centered on addressing emotional concerns, developing solutions using evidenced-backed techniques, and promoting client-centered approaches. 

"I believe one of the most important things I can do as your therapist is to provide a safe and supportive environment that allows for trust and exploration."

Christopher Hawkins (AKA Topher) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). He has spent years honing his skills in different settings working with children, adolescents, adults, and their families struggling with the impact trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar, and other mental health disorders can have on the individual, family, and their behaviors.

This experience, combined with the Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling earned at Lesley University, has shown the importance of working collaboratively with the individual, family, and community resources to create a complete picture of the client’s needs. Using both evidence-based practices and expressive therapies, Christopher works with the client to strengthen the apparatus they may require for growth and change.

Christopher’s goal for every person and family that he works with is for both the individual and family dynamic to increase their ability to enhance communication, access coping skills, and gain a deeper understanding of self and their relationship to self and others to promote healing and become more self-reliant. If you are ready to begin this journey, schedule an appointment with him today.