Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Amherst, MA

"As a man of color from a diverse cultural background, I understand the need to provide culturally appropriate care for patients and treat them with dignity and respect."

Joseph Okrah is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 7 years of experience in the mental health field. He specializes in treating individuals ages 14 and up who are dealing with PTSD, major depression disorder, general anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use. Joseph’s goal is to provide culturally appropriate care for all patients and to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Joseph has a Doctorate in Nurse Practice from Walden University. His practice focuses on looking at the client as a whole, taking into consideration their educational, medical, spiritual, interpersonal, and basic needs. Joseph is experienced in crisis management and medication management.

Joseph believes identifying struggles allows us to move forward with a better understanding of who we can be. He provides a safe, comfortable environment to prevent barriers and encourage interaction that will aid clients in reaching their goals. If you are ready to begin, contact Joseph today!

"As a bi-cultural Black woman, I am committed to providing intentional and culturally responsive work."

Herdine Cheridor is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 5 years of experience. She specializes in supporting survivors of trauma and community violence and also treats mood disorders, relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, stress, and life transitions. Herdine meets clients where they are and creates a space to collaboratively prioritize well-being. This may mean learning new skills, reframing thoughts, and processing emotions and events. Herdine’s therapeutic approach is focused on men and women who often hear they are "too much" when they express themselves.

Herdine obtained her Master's in Social Work from Lesley University, specializing in Black and Brown communities and racial trauma. She provides relational and supportive therapy and incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive reprocessing, and psychoanalysis.

Herdine believes everyone can change and would be honored to walk alongside you. She invites you to put your needs first and heal and grow in a space where you feel heard and supported in your journey. Schedule your first appointment today!

"I like to focus on a fun way to get to the root of the diagnosis in a judgment-free zone!"

Rayla Johnson is a Resident Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She has 2 years of clinical experience and specializes in assisting clients with a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Rayla takes a fun, energetic approach to treatment and incorporates toys, movement, journaling, games, and role-playing in sessions with clients. She involves parents and guardians in goal-setting and care when appropriate, working toward a place of understanding, peace, and relief.

Rayla received her Master's degree from Cambridge College. She utilizes therapeutic methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, affirmations, mindfulness and relaxation techniques, and play therapy. Her first focus is building a trusting rapport with her clients as the foundation for success.

Rayla believes in finding a way through the challenges that life brings us. By creating a safe and judgment-free environment, she helps clients do the hard work to overcome obstacles and embrace the best version of themselves. Reach out to Rayla today!

"As a daughter, sister, mom, and wife, I understand the complex and unique issues that happen throughout all walks of life. "

Kendyl Geeze is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who has 4 years of experience working with adults, couples, and adolescents seeking support with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, past trauma, faith/spiritual issues, and career/ life transitions. Kendyl completed her Master of Science (MS) in Professional Counseling at Grand Canyon University. 

Kendyl seeks to build a trusting therapeutic connection through a warm and inviting demeanor in order to build your strengths and assist you in meeting your goals so you can live your life to the fullest. Her goal is to create a comfortable environment in which you feel ready to interact. Kendyl utilizes strength-based, collaborative, and cognitive behavioral approaches in working with clients. She maintains flexibility in working with her clients to find the approach that best meets them where they are, and she uses creativity to best meet the needs of each individual. 

Kendyl is looking forward to working with you. 

"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. 

"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.

Meghan Kelley is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who has 5 years of experience in the mental health field. Meg has experience working with adults in both individual and group counseling. She treats a variety of issues, including anger management, stress management, reintegration from incarceration to society, anxiety, mood, trauma, personality, and substance use disorders. 

Meg completed her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology at Boston University and her Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Forensic and Correctional Counseling at William James College. Believing in each individual’s potential for growth, Meg’s approach is person-centered combined with solution-focused and cognitive behavioral concepts. She maintains the flexibility, creativity, and awareness necessary to best meet the needs of her clients. 

Meg believes the most important aspect of therapy is developing rapport and trust with her clients in order to help them build on their unique strengths and meet their treatment needs and goals. She recognizes the barriers to therapy and values the privilege it is to help clients improve their mental health and live a more fulfilling life.