Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Amherst, MA

"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!

"As a Black Haitian-American woman, I understand what it means to be different, among many other things."

Judenie Dabel is a recent graduate student seeking her LMHC with unique experience and background. She is a Haitian-American born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. Her clinical training started on a Domestic Violence team for an outpatient non-profit. She continued her training at a Black and woman-founded telehealth counseling clinic. She has worked with clients from the ages of 18 to 40. Judenie enjoys working with teens transitioning to college, young adults, and adults. She specializes in working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, and other related challenges.

Judenie completed her master of arts in mental health and wellness counseling from NYU last year. Her passion for youth and community advocacy led her to pursue a career in counseling. She uses strength-based, narrative, person-centered, and mindfulness approaches to help her clients feel heard and seen as she teaches them to advocate for themselves.

Life can be hard. One way to address some of your hardships is by asking for support. Seeking support is the first step and you should be proud of yourself for doing so. Judenie hopes to collaborate with you to find ways to address your challenges. You are full of lived experiences and potential that will lead you on your journey to healing.

"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!

"Life can present challenges that take us by surprise and sometimes we just need a little help."

Cheri (Cheryl) Boettger is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Colorado and Wyoming who has over 16 years of experience. She specializes in treating depression, trauma, family issues, relationship issues, OCD, ADHD, anger, stress, women's issues, behavioral issues, and much more.

Cheri finished her Master's degree in Psychology from Walden University and is currently writing her dissertation for her Ph.D. in Health Psychology. Cheri is certified in Brainspotting, CAMs, and Motivational Interviewing. She believes that every individual needs individualized therapy so working with her may include a blend of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), problem-solving therapy, board-game therapy, and psycho-education.

We are living in extraordinary times that can be overwhelming. We all can use a few more tools and skills to help keep our families and ourselves healthy on every level. Cheri can help you find better ways to communicate, cope with stress, deal with trauma, and thrive. Schedule with her 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 am an open minded and flexible clinician who doesn't back down from a challenge."

Alison Gilmore is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) with over 13 years of experience. She has a unique ability to connect with children through a variety of integrative approaches such as art, writing and play. Alison specializes in PTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, all types of abuse, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.

She completed both her Bachelor's Degree in Expressive Art Therapy and her Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University. Alison has experience as an Intensive In Home Family Therapist, working with survivors of domestic violence, case management, and working with foster care youth. She is passionate about working with a humanistic/person-centered approach to meet each youth where they are at and create individualized treatment plans and goals.

Alison has a history of a high success rate in resolving problems that typically arise for children and teens. She has additionally supported many clients over the years with long-term diagnoses to learn to manage their symptoms in order to be more successful in all areas of their lives. If you're ready to work together with Alison, reach out to schedule a session today.

"As a social worker, I understand how challenging life stressors can be and the impact it can have on overall happiness, I want to support clients in living their life with fullness and meaning. "

Jillian Lynch Lopes is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) who specializes in working with a variety of age groups ranging from toddlers to adults. Jillian has over 4 years of direct clinical experience, from in-home therapy and outpatient therapy services in the public sector, to a residential special education school with teenage students who have severe medical/behavioral/emotional complex needs. She specializes in a substance use curriculum for teens/young adults which she utilizes in outpatient services as needed. Jillian has also worked at a camp that supported children on the ASD spectrum.

Jillian completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Salem State University. She is certified in the Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA). Jillian loves engaging in family work to strengthen relationships, while also focusing on individual needs. She has also engaged in parent sessions to support caregivers in learning positive ways to support their children with varying needs. In outpatient settings, Jillian remains strengths-based and client-centered, supporting each client there they are.

Jillian seeks to build strong connections with all of her clients. She cares deeply for her clientele and strives to support them in becoming the very best version of themselves. She meets each client where they are and does not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Jillian wants her clients to advocate for what they want out of services and she will always be dedicated to meeting their needs. She believes in an eclectic approach utilizing numerous techniques and interventions to support all clients. She is task-centered and supports her clients in problem-solving around all their stressors. Jillian focuses on empowering clients to live their best lives.