Our therapists offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in Salem, MA

Christine Burgess is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) who has 15 years of experience working with adolescents, young adults, middle-aged, and older who are suffering from depression, anxiety, and codependence, as well as the consequences of trauma, divorce, life transitions, and relationship troubles. 

Christine completed her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology at Westfield State University and her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Boston College. 

She utilizes mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral techniques, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), boundary development, and others to help the client reach a deeper understanding of themselves; gain an increased awareness around behavioral/emotional/thinking patterns; and discover connections between one’s psychosocial history and current functioning within an atmosphere of nonjudgmental acceptance. Christine embraces the uniqueness of each individual and tailors treatment with that in mind.

As a skilled therapist, Christine’s warm and empathetic demeanor, combined with humor and directness, invites her clients into a collaborative therapeutic relationship, where the client is valued and respected at all times, so as to facilitate a process of openness and transformation into improved mental health and overall wellbeing. 

Stephen Medina is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who has 7 years of experience providing care to children, adolescents, and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, and mood disorders. 

Stephen completed his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology at Bridgewater State University and his Master of Science (MS) in Counseling at Salem State University. He utilizes a variety of approaches to best provide a tailored approach to therapy for his clients. Whether providing and utilizing strength based, cognitive behavioral, or mindfulness techniques, Stephen will provide his clients with a positive and personalized therapy experience.

Stephen would like to work with you, in order to provide assistance in developing your strengths so you can confidently achieve your goals and live the life you deserve.

I am a dual-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner with experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care, delivering thoughtful, evidence-based treatment across the lifespan. I work with adolescents and adults navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, and life transitions. Many of my clients seek greater clarity, stability, and a renewed sense of control. Whether you are aiming to better understand your symptoms, enhance daily functioning, or build sustainable strategies for long-term mental wellness, I am here to support that process with intention, collaboration, and care.

My approach is collaborative, structured, and grounded in evidence-based care, integrating medication management with supportive, insight-oriented feedback. I have a particular interest in mood disorders and trauma-related conditions. You can expect a balanced approach focused on symptom relief, sustainable coping strategies, and lasting resilience. 

Seeking support can feel like a big step, and it’s not always easy, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Wherever you are in your journey, you deserve to feel heard, supported, and understood. When you’re ready, I welcome you to take the next step toward feeling more grounded, empowered, and well.

My name is Sarah Murphy, and I have worked in the mental health field for three years now. I primarily work with folks who deal with anxiety, depression, life adjustments, interpersonal relationships, and self-esteem. I have a history working in both community mental health and partial hospitalization programs, helping clients build resilience and develop sustainable ways to manage stress.

I use a variety of methods in my therapy sessions, such as CBT, DBT, expressive therapies, and coherence therapy to support clients in building on their strengths and working on sustainable ways to manage life's stressors. I focus on past patterns, and how they may inform how you behave now, and work from there.

I try to bring humor and empathy to my sessions, and I fully welcome anything and everything you may bring. I am looking forward to collaborating and making therapy a space for you to freely express yourself!

I am Kenneth Westerfield, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), working with clients in MA, with a history of experience working as a licensed clinician in NC. I am passionate about helping adults address their unique challenges and live more fulfilled lives. I specialize in depression, anxiety, and major life transitions. I completed my Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Alabama.

I utilizes multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, acceptance and commitment therapy, and solution-focused therapy. I believe that it is important to form a strong therapeutic relationship through understanding, empathy, and unconditional positive regard.

I am confident that I will be able to support you on your journey to gain new perspectives and techniques that allow you to cope with whatever you may be struggling with. If you are ready to do the work, schedule an appointment with me today!

Marissa Cusick is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 3 years of experience. She has worked with adolescents and adults in public schools, shelter programs, and outpatient mental health clinics. Marissa excels in helping individuals with concerns including ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, domestic abuse, homelessness, low self-esteem, relationship issues, and trauma. Marissa helps her clients learn from their past experiences and find relief through understanding, awareness, and behavior change. She uses compassion, humor, and empowerment to help clients feel more comfortable being vulnerable and expressive.

Marissa has a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regis College. She uses a blend of acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and person-centered therapy to meet clients’ unique needs.

Marissa is passionate about helping others and understands that beginning therapy can be scary. She strives to make each session feel organic and a place where clients can vent, reflect, and relax. Reach out to schedule an appointment with Marissa today!

I am a master’s level clinician with 7 years of experience supporting adults through anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and relationship challenges. I provide a warm, collaborative space where clients can explore their emotions, strengthen self-awareness, and develop practical tools to move forward with confidence and clarity.

I earned my Master of Arts in psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles, where I deepened my understanding of human behavior and therapeutic change. My approach integrates mindfulness-based, person-centered, and strength-based practices to help clients build insight and create meaningful, sustainable growth.

I am committed to helping you feel seen, supported, and empowered as you work toward a more grounded and fulfilling life. Together, we will identify what matters most to you and create a path that aligns with your values, nurtures healing, and strengthens your relationships with yourself and others.

I am a master’s-level counselor with 8 years of experience supporting children, teens, and adults through anxiety, depression, chronic stress, low self-esteem, relationship challenges, burnout, and major life transitions. I provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore difficult emotions, gain clarity, and begin creating meaningful, lasting change.

I earned my Master of Science in counseling from Salem State University. My professional training includes cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, and trauma-informed care. I tailor treatment to each client’s needs, helping them build insight, emotional awareness, and practical coping skills.

You do not have to have everything figured out to begin therapy. If you are feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, that is okay. I will meet you where you are and work alongside you to strengthen resilience, reconnect with your strengths, and move toward a more fulfilling life.

Timothy Gau is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Massachusetts who has 15 years of experience working with teens, adults, and seniors who are seeking support in coping with depression, anxiety, stress, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), OCD, low self-esteem, chronic stress, and more. 

He completed his Bachelor of Science in Social Psychology from the University of Rochester and received his Master of Science in Counseling and Applied Educational Psychology from Northeastern University. Timothy uses a person-centered, solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral approach for all clients, offering a non-judgmental, caring, and empathic space for you to share your experiences.  

He uses humor, warmth, transparency, and compassion to build relationships and is eager to help you on your journey to achieve your therapeutic goals. Timothy is able to create a unique therapeutic relationship with each client with whom he has worked and is ready to collaborate with you on creating strategies for managing life’s challenges.

Karen Lenahan is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 10 years of experience. She specializes in helping those struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, multicultural awareness, and crisis. Karen has always been enthralled by the enigmatic intricacies of the human mind and the emotions that define our experiences. Her unwavering aspiration to compassionately guide and support others is what set her on the path toward a career in therapy. Karen empowers clients to cultivate resilience, self-awareness, and hope on their path to healing by bringing a relaxed sense of compassion, empathy, and humor to the therapy session.

Karen has a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Lesley University. She tailors treatment to meet individual needs and concerns and uses approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, reality therapy, positive psychology, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based techniques.

Karen understands the importance of mental health and is committed to providing a safe and supportive space for her clients. She believes in the power of open communication and is here to help you on your journey towards mental well-being.

Lisa Umanita is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years of experience in this field. She is a passionate and compassionate practitioner. She has had the privilege to work with a diverse population struggling with mental health issues, working with individuals from 20-90 years old and assisting them to overcome their unique challenges and obtain their realistic goals towards wellness. Lisa specializes in anxiety, depression, transitional stressors and adjustments, loss, LGBT, relational issues, and stress management.

Lisa completed her master's degree at Boston University. Throughout her career, she has had an insatiable desire to continue learning to find what she feels is the most efficient and highly effective modalities of therapy. Lisa utilizes CBT, REBT, schema therapy, positive therapy, and strengths perspective therapy.

Everyone deserves to be happy; everyone experiences challenges. Lisa is highly capable of assisting you through your journey. Allow her the privilege of guiding you in creating effective coping strategies and gaining new insight into old inefficient patterns.

Chiquana Bryant is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of North Carolina. She has been employed in the mental health field since 2006 starting as a community supports worker/case manager. She became a licensed therapist in 2012 and has gained a wealth of knowledge from the experiences of those she's counseled. She's come across all walks of life from small children and caregivers with a history of trauma and attachment issues, oppositional and defiant teenagers with behavioral challenges, and adults who are figuring out underlying causes of mental and emotional challenges potentially picked up over the course of their lives.

Most recently, she has been a therapist in a close-custody prison. She experienced what society may consider "the worst of the worst" human beings completely changing their thinking patterns and behaviors to be promoted and/or released from prison after gaining a new level of insight and motivation to succeed.

Chiquana brings knowledge of attachment issues, especially between young children and their primary caregivers. Utilizing play therapy and addressing traumatic experiences will aid in a parent's ability to help their child (and themselves) regulate emotions. The same goes for adults who have faced trauma over the course of their lives — narrative therapy and discussing the circumstances involving the trauma tends to help alleviate symptoms of paranoia and trust issues, depression, anxiety, anger, and mood disorders. Chiquana believes that any situation can be handled with a listening ear, knowledge of how the mind and emotions work, and patience.

Chiquana believes that the most important part of the therapy process is the therapeutic relationship. Being able to relate, empathize with, and understand you without any judgment or bias will allow her to best serve and assist you through whatever mental and emotional challenges you may face. However, without creating a relationship of trust and genuine regard for the therapy process, it will be impossible to see results. Please allow her to assist you by forming a therapeutic alliance that will help you to achieve your goals. Depression, anxiety, stress, behavioral challenges, relationship issues, and trauma can be turned around with the right attitude, persistence, and knowledge!