Our therapists in Salem, MA offer counseling for loneliness

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

Celine De Santis is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) who has been practicing in the field of mental health for over 30 years. Her clientele includes both children, teens, and adults who are suffering from the negative effects of chronic stress, anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, PTSD, phobias, grief, bereavement, and more.

Celine earned her Master's degree in Social Work from Simmons University. Her treatment focuses on individual, family, group, and play therapy approaches. She began her work as a mental health professional in addiction treatment, which she discovered was an excellent segue way into other behavioral health disorders. Post-traumatic stress, major depression, and mood dis-regulation are often present with both the identified client as well as their family members and are issues Celine is particularly adept at helping to manage or resolve.

Celine is available to listen and help work through any barriers that are keeping her clients from experiencing the quality of life they're seeking. As an experienced individual and family therapist, she also respects and recognizes the vulnerability and the strength of taking that first step toward positive change.

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.

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. 

I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 3 years of experience and over a decade as a registered nurse across diverse healthcare settings. I support clients managing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. My approach is empathetic and person-centered, focusing on helping clients achieve their goals through medication management, therapeutic support, and lifestyle interventions that promote long-term emotional well-being.

I earned my Master’s in Nursing from Regis College and transitioned fully into mental health practice. I integrate evidence-based approaches and psychoeducation to ensure clients are informed and active participants in their treatment decisions, creating collaborative plans that honor their unique experiences and values.

I strive to create a safe, compassionate space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported throughout their healing journey. Whether you are facing daily stressors or navigating complex mental health challenges, I am here to walk beside you as we work together toward stability, growth, and lasting wellness.