Our counselors offer counseling for teens in Newton, MA

Hello, my name is Alisha VanHillo. I’m a pre-licensed mental health clinician with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Merrimack College, where I graduated in May 2025. I am currently working toward licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Massachusetts. My clinical experience includes supporting individuals and families navigating mental health concerns, substance use, trauma, crisis, and significant life stressors.

My approach is compassionate, person-centered, trauma-informed, strengths-based and collaborative. I tailor therapy for each client, whether working with children and adolescents on building trust or supporting adults navigating difficult emotions, stress, and life transitions. My experience in crisis settings deepened my appreciation for compassionate care.

I believe meaningful therapy begins with a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust, respect, and collaboration. You do not need to have all the answers before beginning. Every person’s journey is different, and you do not have to navigate yours alone. If you or your child is ready to take the next step, I invite you to schedule an appointment.

Hi, I’m Emma, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), and I often think of myself as a communication specialist. How do we get people to understand us? What are we actually trying to say? Why do the same things keep happening in our relationships—and how can we change them? I work with clients ages 13 and up, including adolescents, young adults, and adults navigating anxiety, relationships, life transitions, and feeling overwhelmed or stuck. Therapy can be a space to lay it all out, make sense of what’s happening, and build a plan for the person and life you want.

My background in Boston-area schools and working closely with families has shaped my trauma-informed, strengths-based, and systems-aware approach. I draw from CBT, solution-focused practice, and motivational interviewing, and I enjoy helping clients build practical skills for communication, ADHD and executive functioning, and everyday life. 

Humor, curiosity, and joy have a place in therapy, too. My goal is to create a space where you can be fully yourself while building the self-awareness and confidence to move forward.

Hello, I'm Zhiran (Jack) Li, a Mental Health Counselor with 4 years of experience helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, stress, relationship challenges, and life transitions. As an international student and immigrant, I understand the unique pressures of balancing expectations, adapting to change, and finding a sense of belonging. I often work with clients who feel overwhelmed, stuck in patterns of overthinking, struggling with self-doubt, or seeking greater clarity, confidence, and direction in their personal and professional lives.

My approach is collaborative, practical, and goal-oriented. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy, I help clients identify unhelpful thought patterns, develop effective coping strategies, and build resilience. Clients can expect a supportive, nonjudgmental space where they gain insight and tools to create meaningful change.

I know reaching out for support can feel like a big step, and I honor the courage it takes to begin. My hope is to provide a space where you feel understood, supported, and not alone in what you're facing. If you're ready to start making meaningful change, I invite you to take the next step and begin this process together.

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!

Jessika Hobbs is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Resident with over 3 years of experience working with youths, adults, and families. She specializes in individual and family therapy, addressing various challenges including depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, suicidal ideation, changes in family dynamics, trauma, attachment, ADHD, and developmental transitions. Jessika has a history of serving those who have previously struggled to find caring clinicians who put their values and beliefs at the center of treatment and validate their experience.

Jessika has a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Fitchburg State University. She draws on her knowledge of cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, trauma-informed care, attachment theory, solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and person-centered therapy to help clients reach their goals.

Jessika truly believes that everyone is capable of change and promises to help you realize your strengths and support you as you navigate challenges big and small. If you are ready to start your therapy journey, schedule an appointment with Jessika today!